IDA FRANCES (Hernandez) GARCIA, (88) was born October 4, 1933, in Denver, Colorado and passed away peacefully at home in El Paso, Texas on March 1, 2022. Ida spent her childhood years in Northern New Mexico and formed strong relationships with her extended Hernandez family. She was raised like a sibling with her cousins and enjoyed the association of a large musical family.
Ida always spoke most fondly of her time and friendships formed in the mining town of Dawson, New Mexico. The multicultural mix there helped foster her love of cultures as the many immigrants were from Italy, Poland, Greece, Great Britain, Ireland, Finland, Germany, Yugoslavia, Mexico and Sweden. Their families worked and played together. The dances were a highlight, as music from around the world were enjoyed. She attended most of the biannual reunions of the town’s former residents, which were held after the company town closed in the 1950s until the pandemic caused them to be suspended. In 1952 she was married in Taos, New Mexico.
Her five children were her crowning jewel. She loved to celebrate their achievements and successes. From 1969 - 1975 she lived with her young family in Europe, where she was able to experience first hand some of the many cultures she had been exposed to in Dawson. She then returned to El Paso, Texas making it her permanent home. Ida embarked on a 20+ year career with JCPenney where she became a fixture at the Cielo Vista store. Even after retirement she enjoyed regular luncheons with her dear JCPenney girls.
Wherever her life took her she formed and maintained long-lasting relationships with family, friends, neighbors, church members and co-workers. In addition to spending time with her large extended family and friends, Ida loved to work in her yard, entertain at her home and was a dedicated Dallas Cowboys fan. Ida also enjoyed doing arts and crafts. She found ways to share her talents with others including making beautiful cards to help celebrate with all her family and friends.
Ida is survived by her children Loretta Martinez (Ramon), (Maureen Garcia), Larry (Beverly), Laura “Mony” McDonald (Greg), and Vince (Teresa), 18 grandchildren, 27 great-grandchildren and her sister Roberta Perez (Arthur).
Ida was preceded in death by her parents Augustine Seferino Hernandez and Josephine Mary Mendez, her brother Ricardo James Hernandez, and her eldest son Alfonso E. Garcia, Jr.
Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.evergreenfheast.com for the Garcia family.
