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William "Willie" C. Garcia, 83, a lifelong resident of Albuquerque, died peacefully at home early on Thursday, December 15, 2005. He is survived by Viola, his wife of 58 years; sisters, Sister Marie Amada of Henderson, NV, and Rita Lawrence and her husband, Russell, of Carolton, TX. Willie, who grew up in the Barelas neighborhood and graduated from St. Mary's High School, is survived by five daughters, Maria Garcia Geer and husband, Rod, Cecilia Garcia, Catherine Garcia Scott and husband, Dan, Lara Garcia, and Imelda Francis and husband, Tim, of Chicago, IL; five sons, Michael and wife, Theresa, John of Albuquerque, NM, Stephen of Bozeman, MT, James and wife, Gloria of Denver, CO, and Mark of San Diego, CA; 19 grandchildren: Jennifer Garcia, Lisa Vaughn and husband, Jeremiah, Jessica Garcia, Charles Garcia, Anna Marie Garcia, Robert Garcia, Joaquin Ortega, Miguel Ortega, Javier Ortega, Anna Geer, Leah Geer, Meredith Scott, Lauren Scott, Matthew Scott, Michaela Garcia, Alaina Garcia, Morena Garcia, Sofia Padilla de Garcia, and Lucas Padilla de Garcia; and three great-grandchildren, Christian Garcia, Ryan Garcia, and Kaitlyn Garcia-Allen. Willie had a lifelong love of music, playing the piano and sharing his favorite songs in Spanish and in English with family and friends. He was preceded in death by his parents, Ramoncita and Charles Garcia; his son, Martin; and his sister, Lena Baca. He served honorably in the Army, Coast Guard, and Navy. He retired from the Naval Reserve as a Chief Petty Officer. Willie was stationed in the Polynesian Islands during WWII. One of his many passions was teaching Spanish to students of all ages. He also once received a special assignment during his varied 30-year career at Sandia National Laboratories to teach English to Albuquerque-based Cuban refugees. Willie also took great pride as a frequent reader during Mass at Holy Ghost Church. Pallbearers will be Lorenzo Candelaria, Ray Candelaria, Robert Garcia, Javier Ortega, Miguel Ortega, and Charles Garcia. A Rosary will be recited on Sunday, December, 18, 2005, at Salazar & Sons Mortuary at 7:00 p.m. A Funeral Mass will be celebrated at The Holy Ghost Church on Monday, December, 19, 2005, at 9:00 a.m. Interment will take place at The National Cemetery in Santa Fe, NM at 1:30 p.m. following the Mass. In lieu of flowers, please send donations to St. Vincent De Paul Sacristy, Caminando Juntos (Hispanic Womens Cancer Survivors), or Clinica Tepeyac (providing healthcare to the uninsured of Denver, CO). Arrangements by: Salazar & Sons Mortuary 400 Third St. SW 247-4124
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