Maria Gloria Garcia

Donna - Maria Gloria Garcia, 95, passed away on Thursday, November 14, 2024, at Weslaco Nursing and Rehabilitation Center in Weslaco, TX.  Funeral arrangements are under the care of Hawkins Funeral Home in Donna.

It is with deep sorrow that we announce the passing of our beloved mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, and great-great grandmother, Gloria Garcia, of Donna, Texas. She departed this life to be with our Lord on Thursday, November 14, 2024, at the Weslaco Nursing and Rehabilitation Center at the age of 95.

Gloria was born on April 4, 1929, to Beatrice Sias and Francisco Pantoja in Matehuala, San Luis Potosí, Mexico, and was a remarkable woman, whose life exemplified love, dedication, and resilience. She immigrated to Donna, Texas, where she met and married Narciso E. Garcia, with whom she had three children: Reynaldo Garcia, Raul Garcia, and Diana G. Gonzalez. Affectionately known as "Yaya" and "Chiquita," she was also the proud grandmother of eight grandchildren: Veronica Garcia, Lilly Romero, Marisela Gonzalez, Raul Garcia Jr., Reynaldo Garcia, Samuel Garcia, Chuck Gonzalez, and Yvette Garcia. Furthermore, she was a devoted great-grandmother to 20 great-grandchildren and 16 great-great-grandchildren.

A dedicated mother and grandmother, Gloria worked tirelessly throughout her life. Despite the language barrier, she began her American journey as a migrant farm-worker, traveling across the United States to states such as Montana and California. She offered cleaning services, laundry, and tailoring for her neighbors, crafting everything from dresses to mending blue jeans. During World War II, Gloria worked nights at H & H packing supplies for soldiers, navigating her undocumented status. In 1961, she and Narciso purchased their property and home in Donna, where she resided until her passing. Driven by her determination to become a United States citizen, she studied diligently and achieved her goal in July 2000. Gloria epitomized the resilience of many immigrants who arrive in this country with little more than hope and determination; she fulfilled her American Dream, and leaves behind a legacy of love, dedication, and unwavering strength, a testament to the remarkable life she led and the profound impact she had on the hearts of those who were blessed to know her.

Gloria was known for her warmth and generosity. Her door was always open to friends and family, offering a safe haven and a warm meal to anyone who entered her home. Food was her “love” language; she prepared everything from mole to tamales, ensuring that all who visited left well-fed. Her life was dedicated to her family who always felt her unwavering love and support. As the Matriarch of the family, she imparted cultural traditions, including cooking, folklore stories, and a deep love for God. In her later years, she enjoyed watching novelas, praying her rosary, caring for her grandchildren, great-grandchildren and great-great grandchildren, and tending to her garden. Christmas was her favorite holiday, marked by the arrival of El Niño Dios, and she cherished family gatherings during the festivities.

A devoted Catholic, Gloria was an active member of St. Joseph Catholic Church in Donna, Texas, where she enthusiastically supported various religious events throughout the year. Her nurturing spirit will be profoundly missed.

Gloria was preceded in death by her father, Francisco Pantoja; her mother, Beatrice Sias; her sister, Maria Del Angel Pantoja Sias; her brother, Felipe Pantoja; and her sons, Reynaldo Garcia and Raul Garcia. She is survived by her sister, Maria De La Luz Pantoja Gonzalez; her daughter, Diana G. Gonzalez; and her daughter-in-law, Anita Garcia.

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