Celeste Burnett Garcia

1956 - 2026

Celeste Burnett Garcia, 69, passed away peacefully on Feb. 19, 2026, surrounded by her loving family.

Celeste was born on July 4, 1956, in Fairbanks, Alaska, to Jack and Connie Burnett. She graduated from Lathrop High School in 1974 and soon began a long career in telecommunications with RCA, which later became AT&T. Celeste dedicated 32 years to the company before retiring at the age of 50.

In the 1980s, Celeste moved to Anchorage, Alaska, where she met the love of her life, Sammy Garcia. After ten years together, the two were married in 2006. Together they built a life filled with family, friendship, and community while raising Sammy's two sons, DJ and Tyler.

Celeste was known for her creativity and love of crafting. Each year she lovingly made Christmas ornaments for every member of the family, and she created beautiful scrapbooks that have become cherished keepsakes. She also enjoyed bowling and skiing and was a devoted fan of Anchorage Aces hockey. Celeste and Sammy were longtime season ticket holders, and she proudly supported her sons throughout their hockey careers, earning the reputation as a wonderful hockey mom.

Celeste and Sammy were also active members of the Anchorage Moose Lodge, where they formed many lasting friendships

In 2022, the couple moved to Sammy's hometown of New Braunfels, Texas. Unfortunately, Celeste was never able to fully enjoy her new home as dementia began to limit her daily life. Throughout this difficult time, Sammy remained faithfully by her side, lovingly caring for her with the support of their son Tyler and his wife, Courtney.Celeste was preceded in death by her parents; Charlotte Lefferson; Nona Vaughan; Jennifer Mang; and Robert Walker.

She is survived by her beloved husband, Sammy Garcia; her children Tyler (Courtney), DJ, and Derek; her brother Searl (Terri); her sister Jeannine; her grandchildren Dylan, Everett, and Stella; her nieces Tonya Burnett, Stefanie O'Brien, Mallory Haddad, Jocelyn Swindel, and Brooklyn Walkenbach; her nephew Curtis Burnett; and many cousins and friends who will miss her dearly.

A celebration of life will be held in Fairbanks, Alaska, in the summer of 2026. The date will be announced at a later time.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Hope Hospice at www.hopehospice.net