Garcia Alfred

Garcia – Alfred, 67, a resident of El Guache, NM, passed away at Espanola Hospital Wednesday morning June 8, 2016, 2016 surrounded by his family after a battle with pancreatic cancer. Alfred was survived by his wife of 47 years Raefelita Garcia of El Guache, his daughter Joanna Herrera and husband Robert of Los Lunas, his grandson Zack Herrera and wife Amanda of Albuquerque, his son Keith Garcia of El Guache, his granddaughter Aly Garcia of El Guache, and his great grandson Micah Armijo of El Guache, his aunt Elvira Salazar of Chamita, and many other loving and supportive family members. Alfred was preceded in death by his parents, Father Jose B. Garcia and mother Nancy G. Wilson, his sister Joanne Garcia, and his grandmother Agapita Maestas (who spoiled him!).

Alfred was born on May 20, 1949 at Espanola Hospital. Alfred had a career of 37 years as an educator/administrator working for Santa Fe Public Schools, Pojoaque Public Schools, the Espanola Public School District, and San Juan Pueblo Community School. Throughout his career he held many positions ranging from teacher, principle, and associate superintendent. While he was with the Santa Fe School District he coached track and field and girls basketball for Capshaw junior high, and girls basketball for Santa Fe High School. Alfred was active in the community, serving San Jose and Sacred Heart churches in various capacities, as President of the Abiquiu Land Grant, as Treasurer of Los Salazar’s Ditch Association, as an advocate of incoming non-English speaking community members, and as a mentor to nephews and nieces.

In retirement, Alfred stayed active in the community and enjoyed spending time with family, camping, hunting, working in the yard, traveling, and caring for his mom. Alfred had a zest for life, finding great joy and satisfaction in his work, and was never happier than when spending time with his family. A rosary will be recited on Saturday, June 11, 2016 at 9:00 a.m. at Sacred Heart Catholic Church, with a Memorial mass to be celebrated at 10:00 a.m. Burial will follow at the Abiquiu cemetery. The family of Alfred Garcia has entrusted the care of their loved one to the DeVargas Funeral Home & Crematory of the Espanola Valley. 505-747-7477-www.devargasfuneral.com

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