Maria Elena Garcia

Heaven gained a beloved mother, daughter, sister, aunt, cousin, and family friend. When you talk about the words sweet, caring, or kind, the thought of a mother comes to mind. She was that mother, with open arms to anyone who came to her. We could always feel the sweet energy she brought into the room. The values she brought to the family will live on through generations, leaving a legacy. She brought out the best in everyone, and that is all she wanted. She never asked for anything in return, but just the love from our hearts. Maria Elena (Lanie) Garcia, 46, of San Angelo, Texas passed away on Thursday August 26th, 2021. Elena was born to Epifanio Garcia and Rosa Garcia Morales on October 14th, 1975, in Del Rio, Texas. Elena was a 1993 graduate of Central High School. She met and married Noel Delacruz on October 23rd, 1993, and had 2 children, Noel (Alex) and Abigail Delacruz. Upon her children’s arrival, Lanie dedicated herself to being a loving, caring, stay at home mom. She was one of the hardest workers ever known and did everything that she could to keep her two children happy. She worked three jobs at one point just to see her children enjoy life. There was not a thing this woman would not do for others, or a challenge she could not overcome. She was there for anyone when they needed her. She was always known as the “rock” of the family, there wasn’t anything you could not come to her about. She took care of so many nieces and nephews and they will remember Mama Lanie, because of the way she made them felt. She is close in all of our hearts and will live through the family. In 2011, Lanie met her partner, Florencio Soliz, whom she built and established a blended family with. Lanie’s love for family was enormous and had a huge impact on anybody who came into her life. She brought unconditional love, a value she learned from God. She was the meaning of the scripture 1 John 4:12 “No has ever seen God; but if we love one another, God lives in us and his love is made complete in us”. She brought the power of love from God because of how holy and caring she was for others, and anyone could feel it. If there is one thing people will remember her by, it is for being a great cook. There was always someone at the house feasting on her delicious food. Everything she made was with every ounce of love from her heart, but anyone that knows her salsa was not. Her home cooked meals always made her guest feel at home. Although spicy, no one could make enchiladas like Lanie’s. Besides her loving to cook, she also loved shopping and having margarita nights with her sister. She was the definition of shop till you drop, just ask her sister. She and Luisana were as close as can be, best friends. The love and bond they had with each other was unmatched. Margarita nights were nights filled with joy, laughter, and time to spend with one another. It was also the best for deep talks just as any best friends have. Lanie was the first person to hear about her day and always had the best advice. Everyone will always treasure the memories of her and In Luisana’s words, “My sister was not just beautiful on the outside, but equally beautiful on the inside”. Whatever name you may call her Maria, Elena, Lanie, Momma bear, even mija, or hija, tia or prima she will never be forgotten, but embraced and closer to our hearts. Our new angel who watches over us.

Elena is survived by her parents Epifanio and Rosa; children Noel and Abigail DelaCruz; her partner Florencio Soliz; brothers Jose Juan Garcia and partner Marie Reyes; Arturo Garcia and wife Martha Garcia; sister Luisana Garcia; nephews Robert Ortegon, Angel Garcia, Christian and Marc Garcia, and Max Rodriguez; nieces Ashley Nino, Amber Amilivia, Maritssa and Faith Garcia.

Rosary service is at 7:00 p.m. on Monday, August 30, 2021 in Johnson’s Funeral Home Chapel. Mass of Christina burial is at 10:00 a.m. on Tuesday 31, 2021 with Fr. Joey Faylona at St. Mary’s Catholic Church officiating. Burial will follow in Lawnhaven Memorial Gardens.

On behalf of the Garcia DeLaCruz family, thank you for the continuous prayers, love, support, and donations in memory of Lanie Garcia.

Pallbearers: Alex Delacruz, Juan Garcia, Arturo Garcia, Angel Garcia, Christian Garcia, Marc Garcia, Jacob Nino, Robert Ortegon, Bryan Amilivia

Proceeded in Death: Cesar Castillo.