Senaida Garcia

Senaida Garcia, a pioneer in the field of early childhood education programs, passed away on January 23, 2015, at the age of 78, in Visalia, California. Mrs. Garcia, who was born in Oklahoma, moved to Tipton, California in 1937 with her parents, Aurelia and Hilario Cisneros. She graduated from Tulare Union High School and Fresno State University. In February 1959, she married Rudy Garcia, and together, they raised four children in Visalia.

Mrs. Garcia is remembered for her service and dedication to Tulare County. Her love for children in our community was her motivation to bring comprehensive services to youngsters throughout Tulare County. Mrs. Garcia served as the project director for the Tulare County Office of Education Child Care Program for 37 years. At the time of her retirement, she oversaw the operation of 43 centers serving over 6,000 children and parents. In 1998, the Senaida Garcia Child Development and Training Center opened in her name, and continues as a model-training site. Mrs. Garcia’s programs still serve as a model for similar programs across the nation.

Throughout her career, Mrs. Garcia served on several boards. She was the first female and Hispanic board member of the Visalia Unified School District. She also sat on the boards for Tulare Children and Family Commission, Food Link, Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA), and Community Service and Employment Training (CSET).

Mrs. Garcia was also recognized for many of her outstanding services to the community. In 1989, she was inducted into the College of the Sequoias Hall Fame; in 1996, she was the Visalia Chamber of Commerce Woman of the Year; in 2000 and 2003 Mrs. Garcia received Certificates of Special Congressional Recognition from the U.S. House of Representatives; in 2003, she was designated as a Women of Distinction by the Visalia Soroptimist International. In 2003, she was also named Administrator of the Year as part of the Tulare County Excellence in Education Awards.

Mrs. Garcia is survived by her four children Fred Garcia, San Jose; Rudy Garcia, Tulare; Gianna Venier, Carlsbad; and Terri Garcia, Fresno; seven grandchildren Stephanie, Jennie and Maddie Garcia; Hanna and Hank Venier; Lauren and Kai Young. Along with her siblings, Larry Jr. Cisneros, Porterville; Ruben Cisneros, Tulare; Yolanda Cisneros, Porterville, and John Cisneros, Tulare.

Visitation will be held Wednesday, January 28, 2015 from 3 to 6 pm, followed by Recitation of the Holy Rosary at 6pm at Miller Memorial Chapel, 1120 W. Goshen Avenue in Visalia. Mass of Christian Burial will be held at Holy Family Catholic Church of Visalia at 10 am on Thursday, January 29, 2015. Burial will follow at Visalia District Cemetery.

In Lieu of Flowers, donations can be made to Food Link, United Way, CASA of Tulare County, Self-Help Enterprises or Proteus.

Tributes and condolences may be made at www.millerchapel.com.

Arrangements entrusted to Miller Memorial Chapel, 1120 W. Goshen Ave., Visalia, CA 93291 (559) 732-8371.