Raquel Garcia

Raquel Luna de Garcia was born on the 21st of October, 1930 to Teresa and Fanuel Luna in Cartagena, Colombia. She found the love of her life, Nelson Agustin Garcia, “Pipo”, and married him on the 31st of May, 1956. Raquel and Nelson were blessed with five children: Patricia (1957), Carlos (1958), Maria (1959), Raquel (1960) and Veronica (1972). She also cared for two step-children - Nelson Jr. and Fabio. Raquel and her entire family moved from Colombia to New Jersey in1963, where they assimilated to their new country and learned English. In 1988, Raquel and Nelson retired and moved to Miami, Florida to help raise their 6th grandchild, Andres.

Raquel was a loving wife, mother, grandmother and great-grandmother. She was loved by all that met and got to know her. She was a strong woman, fiercely independent, and compassionate. She lived a full life, never complaining about tougher times. She was a gentle and loving soul that remembered everyone’s birthdays and could tell you the starting shortstop of every baseball team. She was always ready to listen and was the family anchor, willing to do anything to help and keep the family together.

She lovingly stood by Nelson’s side for 53 years, until Nelson’s death separated them in 2010. The highlight of her years were the holidays - Easter, Thanksgiving and Christmas - when she would host the entire family for lunch or dinner. This included her children, grandchildren, and extended family members - those folks that became family after meeting her and her gentle spirit.

She travelled the world with Nelson and cruised all over, including Alaska, Mexico, Spain, France, Italy, Turkey and Greece. She returned as well to her birth country, Colombia, visiting family and places from her past. She led an incredible life and was adored by many. Like many immigrants before her, she started her work life in America at a factory with Faberge in New Jersey, and graduated to the position of bookkeeper at Inverness before her retirement.

Raquel is survived by her five children, Patricia, Carlos, Maria, Raquel and Veronica; seven grandchildren, Jorge, Julian, Brittany, Amber, Alejandra, Andres, Jacqueline and Olivia; four great-grandchildren, Alicia, Roman, Angelo and Nicholas.

We will miss her terribly. May she rest in peace. Heaven has gained an angel, and Nelson has the love of his life back.