Francisca G Garcia

Francisca G. Garcia, 79, passed away peacefully after a brief illness on August 27, 2025, at Samaritan Hospital, surrounded by loved ones. She is survived by her siblings, Maria (Gilberto) Morales and Natividad Garcia, along with numerous nieces and nephews. Born on May 11, 1946, in Dilley, Texas, to the late Gerardo and Antonia Garcia, Francisca was the sixth of ten children. She was preceded in death by her parents and siblings Rosa Reyna, Marcelino Garcia, Albino Garcia, Ramona Rodriguez, Margarita Hernandez, Juan Jose Garcia, and Aurora Garcia; brother-in-law Hector Hernandez; and sisters-in-law Nora Garcia, Sandy Garcia, Paula Garcia, and Margarita Garcia. Affectionately known as Tia Fran, she was a natural storyteller. Her story began in the rural farm town of Dilley, Texas, where she learned both the struggles and the richness of life. She often recalled growing up in a humble shack with scrap-wood walls, a tin roof, and a woodstove that provided warmth and meals her mother lovingly prepared. With no insulation, Tia Fran and her siblings and Mom would tear pages from the Sears catalog to stuff into the cracks to keep out the cold wind. Her face would light up as she reminisced about the endless hours spent exploring the montes (woods) with her sister Maggie. Their mother sewed their dresses from flour sacks, and sometimes the girls ran barefoot in their underwear to preserve their clothes and shoes. Each child received only one new pair of shoes a year, yet despite the hardships, her parents always managed to keep food on the table and a roof over their heads. In 1960, Francisca moved with her parents and siblings to Washington State in search of a better life. They settled in Wheeler, where her father worked as a farm laborer and her mother cared for the home. Francisca briefly attended school in Moses Lake but soon chose to work instead. As her father often said, “If you’re not going to school, you’re going to work”—and she did, carrying with her a lifelong strong work ethic. She worked countless hours as a farm laborer and helped her father drive his harvest truck to earn extra money. Each year, the family returned to Texas for the winter months, where Francisca cherished time with her grandparents, cousins, aunts, uncles, nieces, and nephews. Over the years, she transitioned from fieldwork to positions at Sunspice Potato Plant, Silverbow Honey, Takata, and Columbia Crest Nursing Home until her retirement. Francisca made her home in Moses Lake, where she inherited her parents’ house—a place she proudly called home for more than 50 years. She loved her flowers and garden and cared for her yard with great pride. She became especially known for her tamales, a cherished recipe she mastered from her sisters. Each Christmas, she lovingly hosted tamale-making, creating memories as cherished as the food itself. Francisca also enjoyed watching old country shows, such as Gunsmoke, and if you were lucky, you got to share an episode with her. On Saturday mornings, she tuned in to the classic country program on KWIQ 100.5 FM at 6 a.m. while flipping fresh pancakes for anyone who stopped by for cafecito and conversation. At family barbecues, church fiestas, and celebrations, you could always find Tia Fran and her sisters dancing together, sharing their joy through music. A devoted Catholic, Francisca never lost faith in Jesus Christ. She attended Mass faithfully until her health prevented it, after which she continued to receive Holy Communion through Eucharistic Ministers. She also served as a Eucharistic Minister for many years at Our Lady of Fatima Catholic Church. Although she had no children of her own, Francisca helped raise and care for countless nieces and nephews across generations. She was a strong, spirited woman, always ready to give her last dollar or the shirt on her back to anyone in need. She welcomed all into her home with love and without judgment. We will miss her contagious smile, her laughter, her sternness, and her gentle heart. We will forever treasure her warm embrace and her endless love. Thank you, Tia Fran, for your sacrifices, your love, and for being the greatest Tia and Wela to the Garcia family. Until we meet again, may you rest high on that mountain, embraced by the love of Christ and those who went before you. A Celebration of Life will be held Tuesday, September 9, beginning with a public viewing from 9:00–10:00 a.m., followed by a Holy Rosary at 10:00 a.m. and Mass at 10:30 a.m. at Our Lady of Fatima Catholic Church, 200 N Dale Road, Moses Lake. Interment will follow at Guardian Angels Cemetery, 2595 Rd L NE, Moses Lake, WA 98837.

Francisca G Garcia

May 11, 1946 - August 27, 2025