Matilda Garcia

Matilda Garcia 

1947-2023 

Matilda Garcia was a caring wife, mother, grandmother, sister and friend. She left this world surrounded by her loving family on Nov. 18, 2023, at age 76.  

She was born to Albino and Mela Garcia on Aug. 10, 1947. After graduating from high school, she met her husband, John Garcia III, serendipitously at a laundromat, fell in love. They attended Western University and New Mexico Highlands.  

Together, they had two beautiful children, Elizabeth and John, who were their entire world. Matilda loved all sports, especially her beloved UNM basketball team, and was an avid football fan, especially of Tom Brady and Trevor Lawrence. 

She loved making people laugh, always had a humorous story to tell, and enjoyed going to the casino. Most weekends were filled making memories with her grandkids, Isabella, Ella, JJ and Kaleigh, whom she adored and was the proudest grandmother of all her grandchildren.  

She was preceded in death by Johnny Garcia III, her husband; parents, Albino and Mela Garcia; and her brother, Al Garcia.  

She is survived by her children, Elizabeth Garcia and John Garcia IV; grandchildren, Isabella, Ella, JJ and Kaleigh; and siblings, Patsy Hurbina, Roland Garcia, Charles Garcia, Lester (Susan) Garcia, Marvin Garcia, Evelyn (Leroy) Garcia and Darlene Garcia; and her son-in-law, Steven Campbell.  

A funeral service is scheduled for 10:30 a.m., Sunday, Dec. 10, at the University of New Mexico Memorial Chapel.  

In lieu of flowers, please donate to Roadrunner Food Bank on her behalf or your favorite charity.  

Matilda’s favorite saying was, “Go big, or go home,” and encouraged everyone to be bold, brave and go all in on life.