Delia Garcia

Delia D. Garcia passed away peacefully on January 2, 2022, in her Rio Lucio home, surrounded by family. Her spirit is carried on by her 7 children: Lawrence (wife Faride, children Teresa and Lawrence Jr.), Michael (children Andrea, Patricia, Daniel, and Matthew), Andrew (wife Lorrie, children Renee and AnnaRose), Marian (husband Frank, son Kyle), Peter (wife Janet, children Danielle, Vanessa, and Jade), Bernadette (children Jennifer, Amanda, and Charlene), and Geraldine (husband Joe, children Christopher and Justin). Along with 17 grandchildren, Delia is survived by 13 great-grandchildren. She is also survived by brothers Frank Duran (Anna Marie), Billy Duran (Dora), and Clarence Duran (Carol), sisters Dolores Klingbeil and Luisa Duran (David), and an extended family of relations and friends from every walk of life, all of whom she loved dearly.

Delia is reunited in paradise with her devoted husband, Daniel D. Garcia, her loving parents, Bersabe and Dionisio Duran, sister Lorraine Duran, brothers Onesimo Duran and Albert Duran, son-in-law Charles Pacheco, and daughter-in-law Linda Garcia.

Delia’s life was marked by the core values of devotion and commitment. She was born on September 3, 1925 and raised in Rio Lucio, NM as one of 9 children. As the eldest child, she quickly assumed her role as a leader and hard worker, helping her parents raise her siblings. After high school, Delia continued her education in teaching at the University of Albuquerque. There, she met and fell in love with her husband, Daniel. She and Daniel returned to the mountains of Peñasco, where they raised their 7 children and supported their community as respected educators. She taught elementary-aged students at the local school for several years and taught catechism for over 43 years. Delia touched the lives and spirits of countless children through her commitment to teaching. Education was, in fact, so important to Delia and Daniel that they sent all 7 of their children to college.  

In 1964, Delia and Daniel opened Garcia’s General Store, a business now proudly in its 57th year of operation. For the entirety of those 57 years, and while simultaneously raising a family and running a household, Delia guided the family business with integrity. She warmly welcomed customers, with whom she loved to visit, greeting them with a smile and a genuine inquiry about their wellbeing and that of their families. Her personality, business sense, and warmth played no small part in the success and longevity of García’s Store. 

Delia’s devotion and commitment to her family was unquestionable. She made each member feel loved and supported, through the numerous peaks and valleys that naturally accompany life. Birthdays and milestones were remembered and celebrated, and Christmas at her home was the most special day of the year. Even if she wished her guests were more well-behaved, Delia was happy to be with her family, as loud and rambunctious as it was. Just as important as celebrating times of happiness, however, Delia was there for her family during the difficult periods. During times of loss and grief, in times of illness and injury, and through personal and professional challenges, Delia served as a source of strength, solace, and encouragement for her family. Delia listened, was compassionate, and was understanding. A hug from her could cheer your soul on the toughest day, and visitors never left her home without hearing, “God Bless You.” Delia was a blessing to her family.

In addition to her devotion and commitment to family and community, including Picuris Pueblo, Delia’s life was defined by her ardent faith. She was a life-long and devout member of the Catholic Church, and a woman of unshakable conviction. Prayer was a part of Delia’s daily life, and her daily actions reflected the values her religious beliefs instilled in her: decency, generosity, acceptance, sacrifice, integrity, kindness, and enduring love.

Delia lived a life of tremendous purpose and made a difference in the lives of so many. She was the matriarch, the rock, and the North Star of our family. We will remember her strength, her smile, her humor, her beauty, and her keen sense of fashion. We will remember her devotion, her commitment, and her grace. We will remember and are grateful for her clarity, judgment, and guidance. As her family, we will miss her deeply and we will honor her in our memory every day.

Delia was a member of the Catholic Church and prayer was a big part of her daily life. A hug from her could cheer your soul on the toughest day. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to: San Antonio De Padua Parish Catechism Program (PO Box 460 Penasco, NM 87553) or Penasco Valley Historical Preservation Society (PVHPS, PO Box 861, Penasco, NM 87553).

We invite you to join us and celebrate Delia and her beautiful life.

ARRANGEMENTS:

Rosary—Sunday, January 9, 2022 at 3:00 pm, San Antonio de Padua Catholic Church, Peñasco NM.

Mass—Monday, January 10, 2022 at 11:00 am, San Antonio de Padua Catholic Church, Peñasco NM. Burial—Monday, January 17, 2022 at 10:30 am, Santa Fe National Cemetery, Santa Fe, NM.  Arrangements by Rivera Family Funeral Home, Taos.  To share a memory, please visit our website at www.riverafuneralhome.com