Ymelda Garcia

Ymelda M. Garcia, 66, a resident of Alcalde, passed away on Saturday, October 24, 2015 at her home surrounded by loved ones after a long and courageous battle with cancer.  She was preceded in death by her father, Guillermo Martinez, mother, Josefa Martinez; newborn son David Paul Garcia; and husband, David Garcia. Ymelda is survived by her daughter, Sherina Diaz of Rio Rancho and son-in-law Donald Diaz of Alcalde; son, SSG David J. Garcia and wife Maria of North Carolina; daughter Julianne Ingram and husband Daryl of Albuquerque; brothers Billy G. Martinez of Espanola, Max J. Martinez and partner Bob Beardsley of Santa Fe, and Joseph Eluid Martinez and wife Connie of Espanola; grandchildren Erick and girlfriend Leticia, Sydney, Allison, Rebekah, Christopher, Jadeyn, Isyss, Catalina, and Tatum; great grandson Xzavier Diaz; nieces and nephews Ryan Martinez of Santa Fe, Reina Trujillo of La Mesilla, Debbie Jaramillo of Los Luceros, Jennifer Martinez of Espanola and so many other precious nieces and nephews as far as Las Vegas, Nevada.
Ymelda was born on July 13, 1949 and raised in Abiquiu, NM where she continues to have many friends and family. She later settled with her husband David in Alcalde where they raised their children. Ymelda was a very outgoing and friendly person who had no trouble making new friends anywhere she went. She had a way about her that made everyone feel like family. She lit up rooms with her beautiful smile and joyful spirit. Ymelda loved to tell jokes and loved to laugh just the same. Ymelda was a comic by nature and had tremendous fun entertaining the community when she dabbled in theatre for years. In fact, one of her many highlights of her life was a trip to New York City with her brother Max where they attended several Broadway shows. She was also very proud of her Alaskan cruise with TJ Trout that she and her husband won. Ymelda was a vivacious dancer and no matter how she was feeling, she always had the energy and desire to dance. Nothing slowed her down. She was a firecracker through and through. There is no doubt that Ymelda earned her angel wings here on Earth because she was the most caring and compassionate person one could know. She always thought of and did for others, especially the elderly, developmentally disabled, homeless, and indigent people of her community. She gave of her time, energy, and love to many people in need, near and far, through charitable organizations, fundraisers, and programs to enrich people’s lives.
However, nothing meant more to Ymelda than the wellbeing of her family. She was always very proud of each of their accomplishments and never hesitated to take out pictures to show others. She truly enjoyed spending time with her grandchildren, teaching them Spanish, showing them how to cook and bake, and simply cherishing every minute she was with them.
Ymelda was so blessed to have many loving friends and family members help care for her in the past few years of her illness. She was especially appreciative of all her nurses who gave so much love and care to her by going above and beyond their nursing duties. Amanda, Judy, Sharon, Iona, Edna, Demetria, Jacque, Melissa, Erica, Natalie and Andrea became very close to Ymelda and it was evident by their hugs and kisses that they loved her. Her daughter Julianne was also proud to be one of her nurses and her daughter Sherina became her caregiver as well, giving much of her time to Ymelda’s needs.
The family of Ymelda Garcia would like to thank Corbin Craig, Jeannette Dixon, and all the staff of Giving Home Health Care for all they did to ensure Ymelda’s quality of life these past few years was the best it could be. Del Corazon Hospice was also an unspeakably amazing agency that came in and aided the family during a difficult time with prompt attention to every need.
Lastly, the family wishes to thank everybody who has been so supportive through their grief with calls, visits, food, etc. We are so grateful to have you all in our lives. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the St. Vincent de Paul Society (San Juan Parish). Public visitation will begin on Wednesday, October 28, 2015 at 5:30 p.m. at St. John the Baptist Catholic Church in Ohkay Owingeh, with a rosary to be recited at 6:00 p.m. followed by a Mass of Christian burial to be celebrated at 7:00 p.m. Burial will be held on Thursday, October 29, 2015 at 9:45 a.m. at the Santa Fe National Cemetery. The family of Ymelda M. Garcia has entrusted the care of their loved one to the DeVargas Funeral Home & Crematory of the Española Valley. 505-747-7477 – www.devargasfuneral.com

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