Darlene Garcia

DARLENE GARCIA, 68, passed peacefully to eternal life on the evening of April 1, 2024, after a sixteen year battle with cancer. Darlene was immersed in loving prayer and surrounded by her family before being taken into the loving arms of our Beloved Lord Jesus.  Darlene was the most generously loving daughter, wife, mother, sister, aunt, and friend.  

Darlene was born in Huntington Park, California on December 1, 1955, to Arturo and Miquela Romero. They resided in Los Angeles until 1965, before returning to New Mexico and building their home in Nambe.   

 At the age of 23, Darlene married the love of her life, Vince Garcia.  They built their home in Jaconita where they raised three wonderful children, Quella, Nicholas, and Noelle.  Darlene spent her entire career in public service and retired from the Social Security Administration after 35 years.    

 For essentially her whole adult life, Darlene put herself aside for the greater good of her husband, and more importantly, her kids and grandbabies!  By the grace of God, twelve years ago she overcame the assumption that she would only live a year, and over a month ago the guess that she only had a day or two left. Darlene was a tower of strength and security to her family, always making sure there was more than enough food, clothing, and treats for everyone around her. Darlene, who did so much for others, is deeply appreciated and will be greatly missed.  

Darlene was preceded in death by her husband, Vince Garcia, her parents, Arturo and Miquela Romero, and grandson Isaiah Vincent Garcia. 

Darlene is survived by her sister, Barbara Romero, daughter Quella Gooch (Justin), son Nicholas Garcia (April), and daughter Noelle Jackson (Adam); granddaughters Nautica and Capri Gooch, and grandsons Aven Jackson and Noah Garcia; nieces Jennifer, Eliza, Michelle and nephews Jeremy, Jason, Nick and Joseph; great nephews Santiago, Francisco, Mateo, Jeremiah, Cielo, Amado, Gavin, Taj, and great nieces Amelie, Sophia, Alaia, Sage, and Avery; sister-in-law Barbara Jean Tracy.

The family extends our most sincere expressions of gratitude to Monsignor Jerome Martinez y Alire, Father Frank Pretto, and Father Nathan for Sacraments and spiritual nourishment, to all her doctors, for all those who provided her in-home healthcare, and to all generous hearts for their fervent prayers for our beloved Darlene.

A Rosary will be prayed on Thursday April 18, 2024, at Sacred Heart Church in Nambe at 6:00 pm.  A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Friday, April 19, 2024, at Sacred Heart Church in Nambe at 9:00 am, with interment at the Santa Fe National Cemetery alongside her beloved husband Vince in Santa Fe, New Mexico at 11:00 a.m. 

Pallbearers will be Nicholas Garcia, Jeremy Romero, Jason Romero, Joseph Romero, Justin Gooch & Adam Jackson. Honorary Pallbearers will be Nautica & Capri Gooch, Isaiah & Noah Garcia, Aven Jackson, Santiago, Francisco, Jeremiah, Cielo, & Amado Romero and Mateo Ponce.

The family of Darlene Garcia has entrusted the care of their loved one to DeVargas Funeral Home & Crematory of Espanola, NM. 505-747-7477. www.devargasfuneral.com