Our adored Dubelza Canales Garcia, 82, passed peacefully on Tuesday, May 16th, surrounded by loved ones. Since her birth on December 19th, 1940, she has blessed the world by becoming a radiant light for the many lives she’s touched throughout the years.
Dubelza was born to Eva and Ramon Canales in the small town of Salineño, Texas. When reminiscing of her childhood, she only ever had warm and loving memories to share of her parents, five siblings (Meme, Chelo, Ramon II, Sue, and Ofelia), and the tight knit community they lived within. Some of Dubelza’s favorite memories from Salineño were stargazing in truck beds, spending time in the town’s popular shaded gathering spots with friends, and coming together to enjoy enormous picnics hosted by the town’s families every Easter. It was in Salineño that Dubelza also met and married her beloved husband, Noel Garcia, Sr.
Dubelza and Noel Sr. welcomed their first child into the world in 1965. With Liz, Dubelza had her first introduction to motherhood; she transcended into who her family would recognize as the true matriarch, establishing the foundation of her family for generations to come. With the births of her sons, Noel Jr. and Jaime, Dubelza’s motherly affection continued to flourish. Through challenges and turmoil, Dubelza was the rock keeping her family grounded. And when God blessed them with years of happiness and prosperity, she was the beating heart, the spark of life and laughter, that kindled their love for one another.
Dubelza, affectionately nicknamed “Dubie” by her co-workers, dedicated 28 hard-working years to Michigan State University as an essential part of their custodial team. She cherished the time she spent with MSU, largely thanks to the many dear and long-lasting friendships she developed during her time there.
With the birth of her first grandchild in 1996, she donned her newest title, Grandma, and stepped into that role wholeheartedly and flawlessly. Whether she was teaching her grandkids how to whip up the best tortillas or sharing her lucky charms during bingo nights or hosting the best sleepovers with unlimited ice cream, every moment she shared with them was filled with an abundance of unconditional love. Her unfaltering presence in their lives has played an essential part in shaping them into who they are today, and her memory is an incredible gift they will cherish forever.
Dubelza’s selfless heart, fierce spirit, and hard-working vitality cultivated a legacy that continues to inspire the generations walking in her footsteps to live as impactfully as she did. Dubelza is survived by her loving husband, Noel Sr.; three children, Liz (husband Bob Hilts), Noel Jr., and Jaime; her grandchildren, Marisa, Stephanie, Andrew, Austin, and Gerrit; her siblings, Chelo, Ramon II, Suzi, and Ofelia; and many cousins, nieces, and nephews.
A visitation will be held 5-8PM on Sunday, May 21, 2023 at Gorsline Runciman Funeral Homes, Lansing Chapel, 900 E. Michigan Ave, Lansing 48912. A Rosary will be prayed at 7:30PM.
A Funeral Mass is scheduled for 11AM Monday, May 22, 2023 with visitation an hour prior at St. Therese Parish at 102 W Randolph St, Lansing, MI 48906. Burial is to follow at Chapel Hill Memorial Gardens. Dubelza’s family welcomes anyone who wishes to pay their respects to her memory.
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