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BORN
1928
DIED
2025
Christine Garcia Obituary
1928-2025
Our hearts and plates became a little less full on Friday, April 18, 2025, when our matriarch, Christina "Tina" Portillo Garcia, passed away peacefully, surrounded by her loved ones.
The daughter of Mexican immigrants, Tina was born on July 24, 1928, in Kerrville, Texas. She was the daughter of Regino and Delfina (Lopez) Portillo. She married Frank Garcia in 1945, and they eventually migrated to Toledo, Ohio. They raised four sons and were married for 50 years until his passing in 1996.
Her contributions didn't stop at home. For many years, she volunteered at the Sylvania Senior Center, where she joined the sewing club that sewed quilts to help raise money for the center. She also enjoyed crocheting and would make blankets for her children and grandchildren.
Tina was a professional HOME-maker. Her family and friends will tell you that you couldn't stop by her home without getting fed some of her famous beans and fresh homemade tortillas. During the holidays, you would find her in the kitchen making dozens of tamales and jars of pico de gallo. You knew you were part of the family if she gave you a to-go bag to take home.
After raising her children, Tina took on another role as "Grandma Garcia" to her grandchildren's friends and children. Opening her home and kitchen once again to teach a new generation the authentic Mexican dishes that she was well known for. While Tina will be greatly missed, her legacy will live on as we sit around the table and share some of her faviortie dishes.
Tina is survived by her sons, Roy "Butch" (Sandy) Garcia, Lorenzo "Larry" (Maggie) Garcia, Steven (Arnaldo) Garcia; her siblings, Olivia Lopez, Linda Little, and Henry Portillo; her grandchildren, John Garcia, Tanya Garcia, Marcy Garcia, Danyel Garcia, Arik Garcia, Moe Garcia, Kristine Green, Julian Garcia, Sierra Cunningham, Gabe Garcia, Tia Garcia and Leah Garcia; including 21 great-grandchildren, and 12 great-great-grandchildren.
Tina was preceded in death by her husband, Frank Garcia; son, Joe (Victoria) Garcia; parents, Delphina and Regino Portillo; and siblings, Pedro Portillo, Paul Portillo, Hortencia Soto, Tony Portillo, and Ernie Portillo; special friends, Chuck and Mary Marsh, were very close and dear friends of the family.
A special memorial service will be held in July.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Christine Garcia
2 Entries
Sherry Portillo
May 5, 2025
You boys are so fortunate to have had your mom for so many years, you were her pride & joy. She was a wonderful sister-in-law & I loved her very much. She tried so hard to teach me how to make empanadas but I could never make them like hers, she was a great cook & great person!
Susan Figliomeni (Frey)
May 4, 2025
Just heard about your mother , I'm so sorry, she was a wonderful memory to the O'Connell 's older generation, I believe she is the last of our parents to lose, my thoughts and prayers are with you and your family .Please let me know when her Memorial is . Susan (Frey) Figliomeni
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