Obituary published on Legacy.com by Romero Funeral Home on Nov. 15, 2025.
1954 - 2025
Kathy Diane Garcia was born on August 11, 1954, in Bridgeport, Alabama, and passed away on August 24, 2025, in Chattanooga, Tennessee. Services will take place Thursday, November 20, 2025, at Romero Funeral Home, beginning with a Visitation at 11:00 a.m. and a Celebration of Life at 12:00 p.m. She spent the first few years of her life in Marion County, Tennessee, before her family moved to
Belen, New Mexico, where she eventually met the love of her life, Estanislado "Tiny" C. Garcia.
She is survived by her son, Carlos Garcia; her sister, Mildred Ann Dalton, and brother-in-law, Daryl; her niece, Melissa Dalton; and her nephews, Clay and Jim Harris. She is also survived by her many brothers- and sisters-in-law: Consuelo and Victor, Maria Elena and Frank, Salo and Anna, Anthony and Lorraine, Richard and Patricia, Charles and Mona, and Anita and Damion, along with their many loving children.
She is preceded in death by her parents, Jack and Kathleen Martin; her sister, Pamela; her niece, Kathy; her beloved husband, Estanislado C. Garcia; and her father- and mother-in-law, Salomon C. Garcia and Annie Romero Garcia.
Kathy loved each and every one of her family members dearly. She also had many, many dear friends. If you were lucky enough to count yourself among them, she brightened up your life. She considered her friends to be family, loving each one very much. Whether you knew Kathy for many years or just a few days, you would have learned quickly that she was a sweet and kind person who almost always put the needs of others above her own.
Kathy accomplished so much in her life. She graduated at the top of her high school class and even completed her studies several months early. She went on to work for Mountain Bell Telephone Company for over ten years, later spending time working in sporting goods where she sold rifles. Eventually, she found her true calling in nursing, a career that reflected her deep love of helping others.
Among the many things Kathy loved in life was the special bond she shared with her two sisters, Pamela and Mildred. Even as children, they were inseparable; playing, laughing, and growing together. As they grew older, that love never faded. Like all sisters, they didn't always see eye to eye, but when they did, it was beautiful to see. Their bond never wavered, and they loved each other deeply throughout their lives.
The last patient Kathy cared for was her beloved mother, who was suffering from dementia. For ten years, Kathy and her sister Pam lovingly cared for her. Though the journey was sometimes hard and Kathy and her mother occasionally butted heads, they always remained the best of friends and shared a deep, unbreakable love until the end.
On January 2, 1987, Kathy experienced one of her proudest achievements when she gave birth to her only son, Carlos Garcia. She cherished her role as a mother above all else and was immensely proud of him.
The world is a sadder place now that she has left it, but until we see her again, we will keep her and all our cherished memories of her close to our hearts. Kathy, we love you very much.
Please sign Kathy's online tribute at www.romerofuneralhomenm.com Romero Funeral Home, 609 N. Main St.,
Belen, NM.