Gabriela was born on March 18, 1918 in Stockton, CA to Trinidad and Sefarina Vargas. At the young age of 9, she lost her mother tragically in a car accident. A few years after, her father decided to move the family to Mexico. Gabriela knew that one day she would come back to her hometown of Stockton, and for that reason she never forgot her English language. While in Mexico, she met her husband, Alfredo Garnica. They married, had a few children, and then came back to Stockton in the 1940’s where she would go on to have the rest of her children.
Gabriela had a heart of gold, was a person of faith and lived life serving others. Her children and grandchildren were the pride and joy of her life. Gabriela had an amazing sense of humor and was always looking to make people smile. She always talked about how “you need to have more patience”, “be kind to one another”, and “work hard, but don’t live to work”. The legacy of Gabriela’s kind spirit will be missed but will never be forgotten.
Gabriela is preceded in death by her sons Carlos Garnica, Joe Garnica, and Sergio Garnica. She is survived by her children Yolanda Rueda (Tom), Alfred Garnica (Esther), Lupe Garnica (Sherilee), Trinie Garnica (Theresa), Mary Flock (Laddie), Angie Aguilar (Syl), Albert Garnica (Peggy), and Isabel West. In addition to her children, she is survived by generations of loving grandchildren.
Visitation will be held on Wednesday, October 31st, from 2pm-6pm and Funeral Service on November 1st at 10am at DeYoung Memorial Chapel, 601 N. California Street. Committal Service will be held at Cherokee Memorial Park.
