Edna Maria Inez Garcia died peacefully on September 30, 2026, in Los Lunas, New Mexico, where she lived with her daughter. She was born Edna Maria Inez Valdez, daughter of Erminia and Jose Maria Valdez, on July 27, 1935, in Dixon, where she was raised most of her childhood. She was the youngest of six children and was the remaining survivor of her siblings. 

She was preceded in death by her husband Pete Garcia, granddaughter Erminia, her sisters Lydia, Mary Dulcinia, Rosie, brothers baby Johnny and Johnny.

She is survived by her three children, Lydia Valdez (Johnny), Patricia Garcia (Michael) and Peter Garcia (Julie). She is survived by her grandchildren Maria (Steve), Robert (Cristina), Justin (Lucy), Phillip (Delmiria), and Robyn (Jerome). She is survived by her great-grandchildren Isaac (Neici), Xavier, Zeus, LydiaAnn, Robert, Jayson, Kristen (Cory), Juan, Rudy (Sky), Anthony, Alexandria, Penelope, Noelene, Ignacio, and Romeo, her great-great-grandchildren Talia, Cory Jr., Daisy and Beau. She is survived by her sister-in-law Julia Valdez and many nieces and nephews.

She worked as a Head Start Teacher and ran a local store in Dixon, until she graduated with a Bachelor of Arts in Education from Highlands University in Las Vegas. She worked for Espanola Public Schools at Velarde Elementary School as a kindergarten teacher until she retired. She enjoyed teaching and molding these young children.

Edna Garcia was active in the American Legion Auxiliary and was a proud member of the St. Anthony’s Catholic Church choir. She was a devout Catholic, praying the rosary every day. She loved going places and looked forward to mingling with her friends at the Dixon Community Center. She loved playing bingo and cards. She loved telling stories about the past, including going to prom with Val de la O. She was always humming, singing or dancing.

On behalf of Edna Garcia, the family would like to thank Los Lunas Senior Helpers, Loretta Baier, the members of her Hospice Team Nurse Isabella, Care-Provider Heather and Chaplain Richard, and care takers Marcey and Betty who provided much comfort to her while she was under their care. The family appreciated Ann Krom for delivering communion from San Clemente Catholic Church. The family would also like to thank Father Timothy Meurer, Patsy Olivas, Sennie Quintana, Desiree Duda Gomez and the DeVargas funeral home. Special thanks to the group that prayed the rosary, the choir and Steve and Cory Chavez for the music.

The Rosary will be held at 9:15 a.m., Mass at 10:00 a.m., on Tuesday, October 20, 2026, at St. Anthony’s Parish in Dixon, NM, and will be followed by a lunch gathering in St. Anthony’s Parish Hall. Burial will follow at the Santa Fe Veteran’s National Cemetery at 2:45 p.m.

Pallbearers: Johnny Valdez, Maria Schwinkendorf, Kristen Chavez, Rudy Valdespino, Justin Garcia, Phillip Sanchez and Robyn DeAguero.

Eternal rest grant unto her, O Lord, and let perpetual light shine upon her. May she rest in peace.

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