Dr. Cecilia V. Garcia

Age 60, a native of Albuquerque, New Mexico, died on February 16, 2012. Cecilia was a devoted mother, daughter, sister, aunt, and friend to many. An avid runner, she loved mountain trails. She was a lover of all music, and especially her sons' band, Lost Lingo. Cecilia lived to help others, and her smile would light up a room. Her laughter was frequent and contagious. With no vices other than chocolate, green chile and gathering with loved ones, Cecilia was an example to us all. The epitome of strength, she valued family, loyalty, integrity, and hard work. As a doctor at First Choice Community Healthcare, a clinic that serves low-income community members, Cecilia was committed to building a healthy community and helping those in need. She was also a volunteer mentor with the Thresholds Project, supporting women as they reintegrate into the community after incarceration. Cecilia is preceded in death by her father William C. García and brother Martin D. García. She is survived by three sons, Joaquin, Miguel, and Javier Ortega and mother Viola García, of Albuquerque. Other survivors include siblings Maria Geer and husband Rod, Michael García and wife Theresa, all of Albuquerque, Stephen García of Bozeman, MT, Catherine Scott and husband Dan, of Albuquerque, Imelda Frances and husband Tim, of Chicago, IL, John García of Albuquerque, Jim García and wife Gloria, of Denver, CO, Lara García of Albuquerque, and Mark García of Port Hueneme, CA. Cecilia was also a favorite aunt to many nieces and nephews. Rosary and Remembrances will be at 7:00 p.m., Tuesday, February 21, 2012, at French - University Chapel, 1111 University Blvd. NE, Albuquerque, NM. A funeral service will be celebrated at the Aquinas Newman Center, 1815 Las Lomas NE, Albuquerque, NM, at 10:00 a.m., Wednesday, February 22, 2012. Parking will be available in the T- Lot at University and Lomas where a shuttle will be available for transport. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests a contribution in Cecilia's name to a charity of your choice but with special consideration for First Choice Community Healthcare Foundation (www.fcch.com/index.php?page=foundation) or Dismas House (www.dismashousenewmexico.org).