Laura Marie Garcia-Ibanez

age 55, a beloved wife, daughter, stepmother, sister, and friend too many, passed away on Oct 2, 2016, after a long and hard fought battle with cancer. Also known as ‘Dolce’, she was literally a walking example of sweetness - afflicted with a chronic and intractable case of happiness, generosity and sense of humor. She loved life, chocolate, shopping, all things Italian, beaches, children, dogs, Halloween, and she adored Christmas. Every year, her loved ones were showered with homemade cookies, incredible Italian dishes, omnipresent Christmas decorations, and got to enjoy her in her element - as a gracious and gregarious hostess, accomplished cook and baker, and wine and champagne connoisseur who loved to entertain in her home. For Laura, no detail went unnoticed -- she had an unmatched sophistication for planning and design, and taught herself what she needed to know to achieve the standard she wanted – she was a dry wall fixer and painter, a prolific gardener, an interior decorator, a seamstress, and no gifts were ever wrapped as beautifully as a gift from Laura. Laura was also a savvy problem solver, a skill she applied to everything – she was a certified event planner extraordinaire, a magnificent office manager, and an experienced traveler and hotel negotiator, which came in handy during her travels to Latin America (whose food, people and culture she loved), the United States, Africa, and Europe with her husband. With each adventure in life, she collected more memories that added to her happiness. Laura’s hallmark was the truth, and was a shining example of integrity, upon which she based her relationships. She always stuck to her word, and that brought a unique sense of trust and peace to those who knew and loved her. Throughout her extended battle with cancer, she was full of grace and remained fearless. We imagine Dolce, our true Italian-American princess, in a better place, most likely on a beach, where she’s sipping on wine, eating chocolate, and enjoying art and music. She is loved dearly, and is survived by her husband her husband, Dr. Roberto Garcia; her mother, Ms. Marie Cioffi; her step children Andrea and Miguel Garcia, and her brother, Miachel Cioffi. A Memorial Mass will be held at Christ the King Catholic Church on Sat, Oct 15, 2016 at 11am.