Maria Rafaela "Fela" Garcia was born on December 20, 1948, in Ciudad Camargo, Chihuahua, Mexico. She passed away peacefully on July 19, 2026, at the age of 77, surrounded by her loving family. Maria Rafaela was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, sister, nurse, and friend whose compassion and unwavering faith touched countless lives.

Born and raised in the small town of Ciudad Camargo, Chihuahua, Mexico, Maria Rafaela grew up in a close-knit family whose faith, kindness, and strength of spirit shaped the woman she became. She graduated from La Escuela de Enfermería y Obstetricia in Chihuahua, Mexico, in 1969 and completed her nursing residency in Nuevo Laredo, Tamaulipas, where she met the love of her life, Antonio R. Garcia.

Maria Rafaela and Antonio were married on January 2, 1970, and, in 1971, moved to Frankfurt, Germany, where Antonio was stationed in Hanau, Germany. During their time in Germany, they welcomed their daughter Lourdes "Lulu" into the world and enjoyed traveling throughout Europe together. In 1974, they returned to Texas, where they made their home and welcomed their two loving sons, Marco Antonio & Eduardo, raising their family with love, faith, and dedication.

After focusing on raising her children, Maria Rafaela returned to her nursing career in 1992 as a registered nurse at Mercy Hospital. She later devoted the next 20 years of her life as the school registered nurse at Juarez-Lincoln Elementary School, where she lovingly cared for generations of students. Nursing was more than a profession to Maria Rafaela—it was her calling. She poured her heart into caring for others and was always ready to offer comfort, compassion, and healing to anyone in need. Though she is no longer with us, her gentle spirit lives on in the many lives she touched through her kindness and selfless care.

Maria Rafaela was preceded in death by her beloved son, Marco Antonio Garcia (April 17, 2025); her parents, Rafael and Patrocina "Patti' Munoz de Marmolejo; and her sisters Jesusita and Ramona Munoz de Marmolejo.

She leaves behind her devoted husband of 55 years, Antonio "Tono" Garcia; her loving children, Lourdes (Gonzalo) Garcia-Rivera and Eduardo (Jenie) Garcia; and her cherished grandchildren, Ryan S. Dilley, Toni Garcia, Marco Antonio "Marquis" Garcia, Mandy Garcia, Saydie Garcia, Jacen Garcia, and Alexia “Lexi” Garcia, who brought immense joy and pride to her life. She is also survived by many beloved relatives and dear friends who will forever treasure her memory.

Maria Rafaela will be profoundly missed by her family, friends, former students, colleagues, and all those whose lives she touched. Her legacy of love, service, compassion, and faith will continue to inspire everyone who had the privilege of knowing her.

Funeral Services for Maria Rafaela "Fela" Garcia will be held on Saturday, August 8, 2026 at St. Joseph Catholic Church located at 109 N. Meadow Ave. Laredo, Texas  78040, beginning with a Rosary at 8:00 a.m. followed by celebration of Holy Mass at 8:30 a.m.

Flowers wil be accepted on Friday, before 1:00 p.m. at St. Joseph Catholic Church.