She was born on 7/27/1924 to Willelah Neal Kirby and Carroll Scott Kirby in Havana, Cuba. She and her younger sister
Marjorie were raised by their mother, a teacher at the Methodist School and the high school principal at the Candler
College both in Havana. Not surprisingly, after studying at the University of Havana, Helen too became a teacher.
She taught first grade and kindergarten, at the Methodist School, the Phillips School, and el Colegio Buenavista.
Helen married Ralph Garcia in Havana, and they ultimately raised 5 children. The family left Cuba in 1958 and
subsequently lived in Port of Spain, Trinidad, and San Juan, Puerto Rico. In San Juan, Mrs. Garcia continued to teach
kindergarten and first grade at the Mennonite Academy for almost 20 years.
In 1985, Helen and Ralph retired to Charlotte, NC. Helen was seldom idle. She cared for her husband, spoiled her
grandchildren and was a very active member of Sharon United Methodist Church. There, she taught “the little ones”
in the Sunday school and was one Sharon United’s volunteers for the Room at the Inn Program. She served the community
at Loaves and Fishes and by interpreting for Spanish speaking patients at the Free Clinic. In her free time, she loved her
crossword puzzles and her murder mysteries.
She is predeceased by both parents and her younger sister Dr. Marjorie T. Kirby. She is survived by her children
Virginia T. Garcia, Ralph Garcia (Laurie), Richard Garcia (Pam), Robert Garcia (Maxine) Helen Leak (Dennis).
She is also survived by her grandchildren Eliot Faure (Thuy), Kelly Garcia Lee (Fong), Joshua Hensley (Anna),
and Jillian Leak (Dante). There are 4 great grand children: Quinn Lee, Esai Lee, Kylie Hensley, and Thea Hensley.
Helen will be dearly missed by her family, this community, and many, many former students.
A Celebration of the Life of Helen K. García will be held on Tuesday, May 16,2017 at 11:00 a.m. at McEwen Pineville Chapel,
10500 Park Road, Charlotte, NC. The family will receive friends at a light lunch following the service.
In lieu of flowers memorial donations may be made to Loaves and Fishes or the charity of your choice.
Arrangements under the direction of McEwen Funeral Service-Pineville Chapel, Charlotte, NC.
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