Amanda Vera Garcia

Amanda Vera Garca, loving mother and devoted wife passed away on Jan. 14, 2014, at age 93.

Pope Francis reminds us that only those who serve with love are able to protect. In many ways, that quote defines the life and spirit of Amanda Garca, who loved and served unconditionally as a mother, devoted wife, and active volunteer for local academies as well as her parish.

Amanda was born the eighth of scar Vera and Leonarda Garcas fifteen children. Her older brother, Jess, set her up on a date with a friend on leave from the war. The first date was a football game, with her sister Alicia as chaperone, the second date was a corrida de toros in Matamoros, and the rest, as they say, was history.

Amanda Vera became Mrs. Ral Garca, and their marriage of nearly 65 years defined her life and served as an inspiration for many. The band hall at St. Josephs Academy is named in their honor, a tribute to the 22 years the couple devoted to calling bingo for the school, a service they did for St. Lukes parish as well. Amanda and Ral renewed their vows twice, on their 50th and 60th anniversary celebrations.

A proud supporter of her childrens education, Amanda served as room mom for all five of her children. A great cook, Amanda delighted in serving her childrens friends, and later her grandchildren, all their favorite meals. The annual Christmastime tamalada bringing family and friends together was a Garca tradition, one that Ral and Amanda treated with the same work ethic, teamwork, and sense of responsibility with which they took on every task together. Amanda passed on the tradition, teaching her children and daughtersinlaw how to make tamales.

A graduate of Brownsville High School, Amanda attended numerous reunions and was featured in a local news broadcast when she and her fellow classmates celebrated their 70th reunion.

Family and faith, though, were the foundation for her life. Amanda kept close contact with her siblings and her children. She attended every grandchilds graduation and major milestone she could make, and even in her final days, enjoyed the company of her family, including her greatgrandchildren.

Amanda, who lost the love of her life, Ral, a month before their 65th anniversary, passed at the age of ninetythree. She is survived by her sons: Ral, Jr. Lucy, Juvencio scar Paula, and David Andrs Lily daughters: Lucy G. Willis Patrick and Amanda G. Young David grandchildren: Shannon Noonan, Sonia, Yvonne and Sam Blancas David and Eric Willis, Damon, Nicolas and Vincent Garca, Tony and Cathy Barreda, and twelve greatgrandchildren brothers: Jess Vera and Sigifredo Vera of Brownsville, and a sister, Oralia Yaya AldreteGarca of Austin and numerous nephews and nieces.

Visitation will be held from 5:00 to 8:00 p.m. on Wednesday, January 15, 2014, in the East Chapel at DarlingMouser Funeral Home. The Funeral Mass will be at 10:30 a.m. on Thursday, January 16, 2014, at Sacred Heart Catholic Church, 602 E. Elizabeth St., in Brownsville, Texas. Committal services will follow at Buena Vista Burial Park.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that those wishing to honor Amanda Garcas memory send donations to Sunshine Haven Hospice Facility, 7105 W. Lakeside Blvd., Olmito, TX 78575

The family also wishes to thank the staff of Spanish Meadows for the loving care they provided to Amanda, and her husband Ral.

Visitation

DarlingMouser Funeral Home
945 Palm Blvd.
Brownsville, TX  78520
Wednesday, January 15, 2014
5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.

Service

Funeral Mass

Sacred Heart Catholic Church
602 E. Elizabeth
Brownsville, TX  78520
Thursday, January 16, 2014
10:30 a.m.

Cemetery

Buena Vista Burial Park
5 McDavitt Blvd.
Brownsville, TX  78521

Memorial Contributions

7105 West Lakeside Blvd.
Olmito, TX  78575