Guadalupe Garcia

Guadalupe B. Garcia, 77, of Rio Chama died at home on Nov. 24, 2022.

He was born on June 30, 1945 in the family home in Rio Chama, to Amarante and Presciliana Garcia and was the oldest of five children.

Guadalupe met Laura Torres in high school and they married on Nov. 27, 1965. He served in the United States Army and was honorably discharged.

Guadalupe and Laura left New Mexico in 1969 and lived in California for about five years, where Guadalupe worked as an accountant for California Federal. Their only child, Amarante, was born in 1974 and they moved back to the family home in Rio Chama in 1975. 

Guadalupe served as a Rio Arriba County commissioner for eight years, from 1984 to 1992. After two terms as a commissioner, he was employed by Rio Arriba County, then worked in various industries throughout the years before he retired in 2007.

He enjoyed fishing, hunting and gardening and would sometimes sell the produce he grew. He raised and kept livestock for many years and kept up with ranch life until he was unable to because of health issues.

Guadalupe was a people person and liked to joke with everyone — even strangers.

He was preceded in death by his parents, his brothers Jerry and Norberto, his sister Simmie; his father-in-law Arthur Torres, his mother-in-law Beulah Torres, brothers-in-law Robert and Philip Torres and nephew Nathan Garcia. 

Guadalupe is survived by Laura, his wife of 57 years; son Amarante (Jennifer), grandson Sebastian, sister Dollie Cioe, nieces Julie Lawrence (Shaun), Carina Garcia, Michelle and Priscilla La Drew, Lori Ann Bourdage (Luke), Kara Torres; and nephews Daniel Torres (Janea), Bobby Torres, Ricardo Garcia (Gilbert), David Garcia (Letty)  and Philip Torres Jr.

He’s also survived by sisters-in-law Cristina Garcia, Elizabeth Garcia and Kathy  and Lorraine Torres, as well as numerous other relatives and friends.

Rosary will be held on Tuesday, December 6, 2022, at St. Thomas the Apostle Catholic Parish in Abiquiu, NM at 10:00 am. A Mass of Christian Burial will follow at 11:00 am.  Interment will take place on Thursday, December 8, 2022, at 11:00 am at the Santa Fe National Cemetery.

The family of Guadalupe Garcia has entrusted their loved one to DeVargas Funeral Home & Crematory of the beautiful Espanola Valley.  505.747.7477  www.devargasfuneral.com