Maren GARCIA

Maren Joan Garcia passed away on November 19, 2023, in Spokane, Washington, at the age of 24. Maren is survived by her parents, Frank and Sandy and her three older siblings, Alexandra, Grant, and Brock, as well as her grandmother, Joan Garcia. She is also survived by many aunts, uncles, and cousins. She is preceded in death by her grandfathers Robert Garcia and Arne Thirup, and grandmother Pauline Thirup.

Maren grew up in Danville, California, attending Greenbrook Elementary, Charlotte Wood Middle School, and San Ramon Valley High School. During her high school years she played water polo and swam, achieving a number of awards. Always one to take up a challenge she learned how to pole vault, becoming a member of her high school team. During her time at SRVHS, she was instrumental in helping create an after school program for special needs students. After high school she attended and graduated from Colorado State University obtaining her bachelor's degree in 2021.

Maren led an active life perfecting her skateboarding skills, skiing, and enjoying her time with Bones her dog, Ziggy her 3 legged cat, and Soup the cat. She was an active member in her communities, traveling to Mexico on service trips, working as a groundskeeper at CSU, teaching youth with special needs how to swim, and mentoring adults with disabilities. She always advocated for the special needs community after seeing the need for representation -which eventually led her to make the decision to attend law school. She attended Gonzaga Law School and was in her 3rd year, where she proudly achieved the Dean's List and was preparing to graduate in the Spring of 2024.



At Gonzaga Law School, Maren was a leader in several clubs, including Street Law and the Women's Law Caucus, where she served as Community Outreach Chair. She competed in the Client Counseling competition and earned her certificate in basic mediation, completing a 40-hour training through Northwest Mediation Center. Maren served as a Legal Intern during college with EnviroTech Service, Inc. and, during law school, with McPartland Law Offices, PLLC. She spent this past summer in Seattle working as a law intern in the Seattle City Attorney's Office gaining experience in the courtroom and behind the scenes. She was in the midst of making plans to move to Seattle in a few weeks to begin her externship this Spring with the Seattle City Attorney's Office. After graduation and passing the Bar Exam, she was to begin her law career there. The prosecutors office expressed that Maren was one of the most articulate and knowledgeable interns that had passed through their program.



Maren worked hard for what she believed in, following her belief in serving, protecting, and ensuring equality before the law. Throughout her time in school and various work experiences, she made an impression with everyone she came in contact with. She was quick thinking, had a hilarious sense of humor, and always vigilant in helping others. Even in death she helped others, choosing to donate her corneas resulting in giving the gift of sight.

What many people were not aware of was, she suffered from mental illness. She had the love and support of her family, friends, and was under the care of mental health specialists. She was a happy and healthy 24 year old ready to conquer the world but for whatever reason decided to stop taking her medication. She unexpectedly made the decision to end her life, shocking those around her.

Mental illness is a horrible disease taking the lives of people young and old from all walks of life. It steals the ability to think rationally. Loved ones end up working through the catastrophic aftermath questioning what could have been done to prevent a life ending decision. Knowing you will never hold your child in your arms again, hear the excitement in their voice about an accomplishment, or simply watch them live life is something no parent should ever have to experience, it is heartbreaking.

Maren's family plans to return to Spokane for a celebration of life, date to be determined. A celebration of life will also occur in Point Reyes Station, date to be determined. Maren will be interred at the Olema Cemetery. It is a beautiful drive to Olema, California, so come sit with her, watch the clouds in the sky, tell her what you've been up to, but most importantly tell her she was loved.

In Maren's memory please consider donating to: Kesem.org which is a national nonprofit supporting children facing a parent's cancer diagnosis and treatment or choose a local animal shelter to make a donation in her name.

We want to thank the first responders of Spokane, the medical coroner's office, and Gonzaga Law University for their professionalism, respect, and compassion during this horrific time.

If you are experiencing a mental health crisis dial 988 for immediate help or seek help from your family, friends, or your mental health specialist. You have too much to accomplish in life to let mental illness stop you.