Olga Maria de Garcia

Olga Maria Velez de Garcia, age 83, of Cherry Hill, NJ, passed away on July 23, 2025, surrounded by her loved ones. Olga was born to Manuel and Manuela Velez on August 20, 1941, in Arecibo, Puerto Rico. She and her family eventually relocated to Utuado, Puerto Rico and in 1957, she met the love of her life, Alfonso ("Fonso") Garcia-Castro. Olga and Fonso were married in 1959 and had four daughters. While Fonso served in the Army, Olga held down the fort at home in different countries, raising their daughters with unwavering dedication. With fierce devotion, Olga balanced the challenges of military life and motherhood, providing a safe, loving home and keeping the family strong during uncertain times.
In addition to caring for her daughters, Olga taught herself English, often late at night or in the early morning hours. Her persistence and self-reliance were remarkable, and she approached every new challenge with patience and resolve. She was a living example of what it means to work hard, learn constantly, and never give up. Olga found joy in the simple pleasures of life, especially in her love for embroidery. Even while suffering with rheumatoid arthritis, her hands created countless beautiful pieces, each stitch a reflection of her care and creativity. But in her last days, perhaps nothing made her happier than spending time with her daughters, granddaughters, and great grandchildren, whether it was simply watching TV and eating together, or being adventurous and going on shopping trips (and letting everyone throw whatever they wanted in the cart!) These outings were more than just errands, they were acts of love and memory-making that her family will cherish forever. To know Olga was to love her. She was the sweetest soul and brought warmth, kindness, and laughter to everyone she met. Her laugh could brighten any room and lift any spirit. She had an incredible will to live, facing her many health challenges with grace, humor, and resilience. She loved nothing more than being surrounded by family, sharing stories, laughter, and a warm embrace. Olga was a beacon of unconditional love, quiet strength, and unwavering support. Her legacy lives on in the lives she touched and the family she held so dear. She is survived by her four daughters, Olga (Miguel), Aida, Dori, and Melba (Kevin), her three granddaughters, Christina, Maria (Louie), and Kelly, and her great grandchildren, Marissa, Percio, Nico, and Stavros. Family and friends are invited to a memorial celebrating Olga's life on Saturday, August 2, 2025, from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. at the Healey Funeral Home located at 1816 Haddonfield-Berlin Road, in Cherry Hill, NJ 08003. Interment will be held on Tuesday, August 5, 2025, at 9:30 a.m. at Washington Crossing National Cemetery in Newtown, PA. Please arrive at the funeral home at precisely 8:00 a.m. to proceed to the cemetery.