Mela Garcia

Mela A. Garcia, a resident of San Pedro passed away peacefully in her own home on April 1, 2022. She had been battling a lengthy illness and at the time of her passing she was surrounded by her family. She lived 97 years and made many friends and memories that will last a lifetime for those whose lives she touched. Mela was born on December 14, 1924 to Antonio and Julanita Archuleta.

She was preceded in death by:

Antonio Archuleta, Father

Julanita Maestas Archuleta, mother

Faye Maestas Archuleta, Step mother

Gilbert Archuleta, brother

Flossie Archuleta, sister

Berlina Quintana, sister

Alejandro “Jiggs” Archuleta, brother

Dennis “Lavender Kid” Archuleta, brother

Manuel D. Garcia, Husband

David Garcia, son

Survived by:

Richard Garcia, son (Becky)

Jeanette Ortega, daughter (Neil)

Leroy Garcia, son (Dede)

Ruben Archuleta, brother (Virginia)

15 Grandchildren

29 Great Grandchildren

8 Great Great Grandchildren

Mela was Loving and kind to all she came in contact with. She was a strong woman who overcame many obstacles in life including several health related issues. She was an incredible mother who provided love and stability to her family and served as a positive role model.

Mela worked many years at both the Los Alamos Building and loan and The Jemez Mountains Coop where she was regarded as an excellent employee. She retired in 1983 because of health issues but continued an active life style to the end. She enjoyed sports of any kind, Basketball, Football, Baseball, Horse races, Bingo, Bowling, Keno and more importantly watching her children, grandchildren and great grandchildren participate in sports.

Mela could spark up a conversation with anyone and was well liked by those she came in contact with. She had many friends throughout her life and enjoyed being out and about.

Mela’s greatest assests was her love of family and doing what she could to support them in any way possible.

The Rosary will be recited on Thursday, May 12, 2022 at 10:30 am with Mass of the Christian Burial to follow at 11:00 am at the Holy Cross Catholic Church in Santa Cruz, NM with burial to follow at the Santa Fe National Cemetery.

Pall Bearers:

Dennis Garcia, Michael Garcia, Steven Garcia, Anthony Garcia, Ayden Garcia, Manuel Garcia, Justin Ainsworth and Mark Vigil

Thank you to:

Amber care Hospice for their care, compassion and support in her final days and to those who provided prayers, thoughts, cards, flowers and food.