Juanita Garcia

October 8, 1944 – January 29, 2026

My beautiful mommy, thank you for loving me so unconditionally and for scolding me when I needed it. You taught me kindness, patience, and acceptance. I now understand and appreciate why these characteristics are so important. On the darkest days of my life, you held my hand and comforted me. Thank you for holding me up. You also encouraged me to want to live and be happy again, you told me it was okay. So many times, you asked what you had done to be blessed with two wonderful children; mommy, Gibby and I were the ones that were blessed to have had you for our mother. I have so many loving childhood memories and I can hear Gibby laughing. I am comforted knowing you and Gibby are at rest now. One day we will all gather again for a great family BBQ dinner!

To your five grandchildren you were the best person to go to when they needed to vent or seek advice or tell a secret to. Mostly, they appreciated that you just listened without judgment. I need to learn to do that more. The little ones (Diore and Alora) are sure going to miss you. Where else could they go jump around, take out all the toys, and lovingly be rewarded with apple slices and cookies. You were always the dependable, backup, emergency babysitter when there was no one else available. Diore and Alora were okay being sick because with a smile they packed up to go to grandma's house.

You taught me SO many "tricks." For example, when the girls have/had a cough do not forget to rub their heels with the same chest rub. You taught me hundreds of uses for vinegar. And most importantly, you taught me not to forget to use night cream – it is important!

My loving mother was preceded in death by her husband, Phillip Connell, her son, Gilbert Garcia III (Gibby), her son-in-law, Raul Mena, three brothers and one sister. She is survived by her daughter; Mary Mena, daughter-in-law; Arlene Garcia, grandchildren; Marlene (Abdo) Mroueh, Gilbert Garcia IV, Emily Garcia, Megan Alexis Mena, Lorena Alissa Mena, two great-granddaughters; Diore Lively and Alora Brook, sister, Norma Leal.

Mom, thank you for everything.  Rest in Peace.

Funeral Services

Thursday, February 5, 2026

Visitation   5:00pm-8:00pm

The Angelus Funeral Home

1119 N. St. Mary's St.

Friday, February 6, 2026

Memorial Talk  10:00am

The Angelus Funeral Home

Interment

San Fernando Cemetery #3