Dora L. Garcia, 90, a long-time resident of Guachupangue and recently of Apple Valley in Española, NM, passed away with her loving dedicated caretaker daughter always by her side on August 19, 2026, briefly from an infection in which sepsis took hold of what her petite body could not overcome. Her remarkable tolerance for pain made her final battle so difficult to recognize as she just simply endured & persevered through it without informing her dear daughter, nor Doctor.

Her lifelong incredible strength survived motor vehicle accidents that were deeply traumatic and life-changing for her and on the family. She lived daily with severe pain, no complaints, gracefully throughout a house fire and several deaths in her arms, while remaining strong. Her deep Faith trusting God through it all. 

She devotedly prayed the rosary three times a day and the Divine Mercy so to be returned to her as love, peace, mercy, and eternal rest embraced in the Lord. She was still so alive, vibrant, active, and a fighter until the end.

Dora was a stern disciplinary Librarian to many at Española Elementary Redbirds, then Los Ninos Kindergarten. She was a straightforward, matter-of-fact, tell it like it is, hold nothing back kind of women. Knowing where you stood with her, though still very beloved and respected by so many.

She dedicated many years of volunteer service to: Parish Council, Fiesta Council, Altar Society, Bingo Committee, Sacred Heart Society, Presbyterian Hospital Auxiliary Gift Shop, Church Bazaar Committee, Collection Counter, Eucharistic Minister and Voter Presiding Judge.

She was preceded in death by her husband Sam and son Anthony Garcia; parents Vianes & Olivama Padilla Maestas; siblings Orlando Maestas, Juanita Sisneros, and Patty Vigil; brothers/sister-in-law Eddie Sanchez, Bertha Maestas, Rudy Brown, Tony Vigil, several nieces, nephews, and Godchildren; parent-in-laws Jose D. Garcia & Ramona V. Garcia; brothers/sisters-in-law: Ruben Garcia (+Mary), Joe Garcia (+Pauline), Stella Sanchez (+Benny), Lucas Martinez, several nieces, nephews, & Godchildren.

She is survived by her devoted daughter Debbie Garcia; grandchildren Monique & Pablo Garcia (Kristy), their mom Brenda Molina; great-grandchild Aurora Garcia; sisters Socorro Brown and Eneda Sanchez; brother-in-law Alex Sisneros.

Sister/brother-in-law Lucille Martinez, Raymond (Loyola) Garcia; several nieces, nephews, & Godchildren.

Special thanks to her vecinos of Roman Drive: Patricia Vargas, Vicky Medina, Kevin Vigil and Fred Romero for caring, feeding and loving mama when Deb had to be gone.

A Public Viewing will take place on Wednesday, September 9, 2026, at 5:00 pm, with a Rosary to follow at 6:00 pm at DeVargas Funeral Home in Espanola, NM.

On Thursday, September 10, 2026, a Rosary will be at 10:00 am, with Mass to follow at 11:00 am at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Espanola, NM.

Burial will take place at the Santa Fe National Cemetery in Santa Fe, NM, at 9:45 am on Friday, September 11, 2026.

Pallbearers: Angelo Vigil, Greg Medina, Chris Brown, Kevin Vigil, Derek Maestas, and Ted Padilla.

Honorary Pallbearers:  David Maestas, Isaac Maestas and Arthur Vigil.

The family of Dora Garcia has entrusted the care of their loved one to DeVargas Funeral Home & Crematory of the beautiful Espanola Valley. 505-747-7477