Julia Garcia Rodriguez, 83, passed away peacefully in her home on the evening of November 8, 2024. Julia's husband of 60 years, Florencio Rodriguez, Sr., was at her side and she was surrounded by her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Julia was the epitome of beauty, unconditional love, kindness, generosity, patience, faith, and humility. Her gentle and nurturing ways grew trees from seeds in her garden. Her greatest joy in life was raising her family to stand tall yet to remain down-to-earth.

Her quiet strength will live on in her five children: Rebecca J. Raymond, Jessica M. Howell, Natalie A. Gutierrez, Florencio Rodriguez, Jr., and Marisela R. Crowe, and in her 10 grandchildren and 9 great-grandchildren.

Julia was preceded in eternal rest by her father, Doroteo Garcia, and mother, Maria Perez Garcia, as well as her brother, Juan Garcia. She is survived by her siblings Grace Cortez, Emilia G. Silva, Natalia Lopez, twins Porfirio Garcia, and Doroteo Garcia, Jr., and numerous cousins, nephews, nieces, and extended family.

She will be greatly missed by everyone who knew and loved her.

Florencio Rodriguez knew Julia since they were children. Their families lived across the street from each other on the west side of San Antonio. Their love endured and they were married on April 5, 1964. Florencio captured the essence of his wife, Julia, in an original poem, which is part of a collection he wrote about her 20 years ago. It is a perfect tribute to his wife he so adored.

You Love, You Are …

You love to cook, to sew,

to keep a clean house,

and do crossword puzzles.

You love the operas,

classical music,

reading good books,

going to the theater

and watching movies.

You love all creatures,

especially cats.

You love clothes and shoes

and going window-

shopping.

You love plants and

gardens,

fruit trees and flowerbeds.

You love God

and God's creations.

You love the environment.

You love spring

and summer days

and picnics.

You are down-to-earth

You are unpretentious.

You are considerate.

You are thoughtful.

You are organized.

You are generous.

You are sensitive.

You are sincere.

You are warm.

You are love.

You are Julia.

Written by Florencio Rodriguez

Copyright 2003

From the collection: "Ode to Julia"

"Julia, my childhood playmate. I was blessed when you became my wife. And lucky that you stayed with me for 60 years.  I never felt that I deserved you. But you remained faithful and true. You kept us together.  I loved you for your humble heart and for your loving ways. I will miss you. I will never forget you. And I will keep on loving you forever."

--Love, Florencio

FUNERAL SERVICES

Monday, November 18, 2024

Visitation will begin at 5:30pm

A Rosary will be recited in Julia's honor at 7:00pm

The Angelus Funeral Home Chapel

1119 North St. Mary's Street, SATX, 78215

Wednesday, November 20, 2024

A Memorial Mass will be offered at 9:30am

St. Margaret Mary Catholic Church

1314 Fair Ave., SATX, 78223

* *

Burial will take place later that day at 2:15pm

Fort Sam Houston National Cemetery (Shelter #2)

1520 Harry Wurzbach Rd., SATX, 78209