Gloria Garcia, aged 87, passed away peacefully on Monday, November 13, 2023, surrounded by her Granddaughter Gloria Landavazo, Grandson-In-Law Christopher Landavazo, and five great-grandchildren in their home in Rio Communities, NM.  Gloria was born on May 20, 1936, in Albuquerque, NM.

She was preceded in death by her husband of 56 years, Fred Garcia; father Hignicio Gonzales; mother Flora Gonzales; daughter Joy Gonzales; and eight siblings.

She is survived by her younger brother, Don Gonzales; son Fred Garcia; daughter Deborah Frances; eight grandchildren; and thirteen great-grandchildren.

Gloria grew up in Albuquerque's North Valley, where she learned the meaning of compassion, love, hard work, and family.  As an older sister, Gloria experienced her first time as a caregiver, where she assisted her parents in caring for and raising her younger siblings.  She met the love of her life, Fred Garcia, and was married on August 11, 1956. As a team, they loved and raised their three children in Albuquerque's Wells Park District. After the tragic death of their daughter Joy, Gloria was blessed with the opportunity to care for her granddaughters Esperanza, Crystal, and Gloria. Unselfishly and without hesitation, they welcomed, loved, and cared for them as their own and took every opportunity to do the same for their grandson, Albert.  The love they showed their deceased daughter's children showed genuine compassion and what it means to be a family. Gloria's great-grandchildren were a large part of her later life. She loved listening to every story they had to tell and spending time with them. Gloria was an avid bingo enthusiast and enjoyed spending time with her husband and friends at various halls in the Albuquerque area.  She loved going out to eat, staying up late, and playing games with friends and family.  Especially when poker was involved, Gloria taught a multitude of grandchildren and great-grandchildren her love of the game during poker nights. She enjoyed life to the fullest and had the most beautiful and infectious smile there is. Her sassy tongue and smart mouth brought laughter to all.  She is loved beyond compare and will be deeply missed by everyone who had the opportunity to know her.

A rosary will be recited on Monday, November 20, at 12:00 pm (noon), and a small reception will follow at Prestige Event Center, 2019 5th St NW, Albuquerque, NM 87102.  Please send flowers, donations, or condolences to the Prestige Event Center.