Maria Olga Garcia

Maria Olga Garcia, lovingly known as La Capri, Leli, Chihuahua, Abuela and Wuela, went home to be with the Lord on Saturday, October 4th, at the age of 87. She passed peacefully at home, surrounded by her children's love, abundant kisses, and embraces.
Born on August 1st, 1938, in Matamoros, Tamaulipas, Mexico, Olga was the cherished daughter of Rodolfo and Carolina. She grew up alongside her five siblings in a close-knit, loving home. At just 18, she met the love of her life, Magin Garcia, a love story that began with a single glance through a window and lasted a lifetime.
Magin, her husband, lovingly called her "Caprichosa," which soon became "La Capri." She wore that name proudly, and whenever someone asked, "Who is Capri?" she would smile and confidently reply, "Yo". Within their first year of marriage, Olga and Magin welcomed their first child. Over the next nine years, they joyfully welcomed another each year, creating a bustling home filled with laughter, love, and energy. No washer and dryer at that time, she washed by hand using a "tallador" (clothes carver) not just the clothes for ten children but also a mountain of cloth diapers that were always sparkling white when she got done with them. The family shared countless adventures, from spontaneous beach trips to unforgettable days piled into their station wagon, memories her children still hold close.
At the young age of 28, Olga's world changed forever when she became a widow. Pregnant with her tenth child and with nine little ones already depending on her, she faced unimaginable hardship. Yet, through faith, determination, and unshakable strength, Olga raised her children with grace and dignity, assuming the roles of both mother and father. Her children never went hungry and were always well cared for, growing up with a deep understanding of the power of perseverance and love.
Dreaming of a brighter future for her family, Olga began the arduous process of migrating to the United States. With the support of her mother Carolina, Tía Irma, and siblings Rodolfo and Oralia, she brought her children over, two or three at a time, until they were all reunited. They started in a tiny one-bedroom apartment, but to her children, it was filled with warmth and hope.
Olga determined herself to continue to fight with wisdom, passion, and resolve as she navigated life as a single mother. She and her mother worked multiple jobs, often taking the city bus downtown to a coat factory to provide. Olga eventually saved enough to buy a two-story house in the Love Field area, a home that felt like a castle to her children. Through hard work, endless determination, and with the help of her older children, she not only paid off that home but also enrolled her children in private school. Olga's relentless drive to provide her family with a better life became the legacy she passed down through generations.
Olga knew the depths of loss, having endured the passing of her parents and her beloved husband. Yet her children feared she might never recover from the loss of her youngest daughter, Margarita. Grief held her still for months, but her resilience shone through, and in time, her radiant spirit returned. Her life once again overflowed with laughter, color, and joy; lots of laughter!
She proudly attended church every Sunday with her children, and her presence made the congregation feel even bigger. Olga loved spending time with her family, often traveling to new places, and she cherished every moment with her grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and great-great-grandchildren, each of whom held special memories and stories about her. Her grown children never wanted her to leave their home for another sibling, a testament to how deeply they loved her. Through family trips, songs, and endless laughter, Olga created countless joyful memories, sharing more than enough love with everyone around her.
Her family remembers her infectious laughter, beautiful smile, and the way she could light up any room. Even as she battled dementia, she never lost her humor or warmth. She continued to love joking and playing pranks on her children and grandchildren. She would sing along to her favorite love songs by Pedro Infante, such as "Cien Años" and "Deja Que Salga la Luna," among many others. Her voice would carry memories of love that even time couldn't fade.
Olga is survived by her beloved children: Magin, Rodolfo, Maribel, David, Jesús, Francisco, Ricardo, Antonio, and Martha, as well as 21 grandchildren, 26 great-grandchildren, and 4 great-great-grandchildren. She is preceded in death by her husband, Magin Garcia, and her cherished daughter, Margarita, who passed away at the young age of 22.
The family would like to express their heartfelt gratitude for the care Olga received in her final days. Nelia Lara was a true gift from God, and she lovingly cared for her in her final years. Doris Argueta provided compassionate support to her in her final days. Their kindness and dedication brought comfort and peace to Olga and to the family.
Olga ran the race with faith, courage, and love. She fought the good fight and now, she rests in peace free from pain, free from sorrow, free from dementia, and forever remembered for her strength, laughter, and boundless heart.