Melina Christine Garcia

Melina Christine Garcia, age 62, of Maple Grove, MN, bid farewell to this world the evening of December 27, 2023. She is survived by her loving husband, Severo, who was by her side as she took her last breath. Melina is also survived by her mother, Theresa, and brother, Mark, as well as many family and friends.
Melina was born on July 19,1961 to Larry and Theresa Borton. Melina was a blessing in the lives of many and was deeply loved. She did so much for others and she always did it with love. Most importantly, Melina was a woman of great faith in God and that faith guided her throughout her life.
Melina lived with love and grace. She left many precious memories. She had many talents and shared them with love. Those who knew her in her earlier years remember playing records, listening to music, dancing, and the fun of sleepovers. Melina had an infectious laugh. She loved life and loved to have fun.
Melina was smart and talented. She earned a Bachelor's Degree and worked for many years in finance in various churches of the Archdiocese of Saint Paul and Minneapolis. She became a Spiritual Director after attending a Spiritual Direction Preparation Program at the Franciscan Spirituality Center in LaCrosse, WI. Melina was very active as a lay minister at St. Odilia's Catholic Church. Melina was attending the Catechetical Institute, which is a four pillar program to study the Catholic Catechism and was in the class
of St. Michael the Archangel. Unfortunately, she was unable to complete the fourth and final pillar. Melina was a United States Air Force Veteran. She loved to dance and was a great dancer. She met her husband at a dance class taught by Severo! Melina had a witty sense of humor. She loved to paint and dance and was a talented writer. She had a deep and caring sense of love and compassion for everyone. She was a precious friend.
Melina's life ended much too soon. She learned she had ovarian cancer in October 2021 and she and Severo began a journey no one wants to take. A CaringBridge site was started and Melina was able to author it from October 21,2021 to November 22, 2023. Visitors to the site surrounded Melina and Severo with prayers and positive light as she honestly shared her feelings of strength, hope, despair, frustration, acceptance, and anger about the unknown...Homeward Bound!! Today's Blessings! Hair Today, Gone Tomorrow! Calling All Prayer Warriors!! Feeling At a Loss for Words, Scared and Worried, Pain Everywhere, His Will Be Done, Sick of Being Sick, In God's Hands, &%$#@*
Melina was truly a light in the world and her light continues to burn in our hearts and souls with memories of her. Hold onto those memories. The family would like to express their deepest gratitude for the love and kindness of so many. Special blessings to all of Melina's wonderful, skilled medical providers for surrounding us with compassion and love. You have blessed us with comfort and peace.
The Mass of Christian Burial for Melina is Monday, January 8, 2024 at 11:00 AM (visitation 10-11 AM) at St. Odilia Catholic Church; 3495 Victoria Street N., Shoreview, MN. There is also a visitation from 5:00pm to 8:00pm on Sunday, January 7, 2024 at the Washburn~McReavy Holcomb-Henry-Boom-Purcell Chapel, 515 Highway 96 W., Shoreview, MN.