Matilda GARCIA

GARCIA, Matilda (Martinez)

96, of Tampa, passed away March 28, 2016. Mati was preceded in death by her husband, Marcelino "Max" Garcia; brothers, Andrew, Gregory and Julie Martinez; sister, Zoraida Gullo; and niece, Viann Martinez Guzman. She is survived by her daughter, Gwen MacKinnon; son, Max "Maxie" Garcia; grandchildren, Grady MacKinnon and wife, Winifer, Marc MacKinnon, Deena Earnest and husband, Andy, Amy Mancilla and husband, Doug, and Julia Garcia; seven great-granddaughters, Ashley, Audrey, Caroline, Molly, Macy Matilda, Estelle, and Emery; sisters, Palmira Fernandez and DeeDee Tornillo; brothers, Danilo "Danny" Martinez and wife, Doris and Elvin Martinez and wife, Sylvia. Matilda is also survived by 29 nieces and nephews and their spouses and children. There have been a multitude of people touched by Matilda's love and compassion throughout her life. In addition to 43 years of federal service, Matilda was passionately involved in several organizations including LULAC, Hispanic Professional Women Association, the Democratic Party, and many more. Known as La Gran Dama de Tampa, Mati's family was among the city's first 19. Her impact and contributions were recognized through numerous commendations including, but far from limited to, the National Jefferson Award, FBI Director's Community Leadership Award, and creation of the EEOC Matilda Garcia Total Commitment Award. A Funeral Mass for the repose of Matilda's soul will be celebrated at 2 pm, Saturday, April 2, at Christ the King Catholic Church and interment will follow in Centro Espanol Memorial Park. The family will receive relatives and friends from 6-8 pm, Friday, April 1, at Boza & Roel Funeral Home, 4730 N. Armenia Ave., Tampa. Flowers will be accepted or contributions may be made in Matilda's memory to the FMHI Endowed Directorship (Fund#536002) USF Foundation, Attn: Tracy Muir, Office of Donor Relations and Stewardship, 4202 East Fowler Ave., ALC 100, Tampa 33620-5455 or Centro Espanol de Tampa, 3208 N. Armenia Ave., Tampa 33607.