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Helen (Padilla) Garcia

Posted 2007-08-31 by Edward Peed
Helen P. Garcia, Born August 18, 1927 in Sonora, AZ, passed peacefully from the embrace of her daughters into the arms of God on August 27, 2007.

She is survived by her two daughters, Renate Delay (Bob) of Tucson and Lydia Abril (Louie) of Apache Junction. One brother Edward Garcia of Mesa, and one sister, Frances Clark of Mammoth, she is also survived by many nieces and nephews who loved her dearly.

Helen's sister Dolores, raised and cared for her after the death of their mother, after Dolores married Edward Jordan, they both continued to raise Helen as their daughter.

Helen lived with her father, Herculano Garcia until 1951. At that time she traveled to Wurzberg, Germany to join Dee, Eddie and Ed Jr. During her stay there the Jordan's adopted two German girls, Renate and Lydia. Helen helped care for the girls and became their second mother.

In 1954 she returned to Sonora, AZ and cared for her father, Herculano Garcia until his passing in 1967. She then moved to Tucson to live with Dolores.

Helen worked as a nurses aid at Desert Life Health Center in Tucson for 20 years. She received numerous awards and certificates for her care with Alzheimers patients.

After retiring in 1982, she and Dolores moved to Renate's home, until her failing health warranted her to be cared for at the Apache Junction Health Center in Apache Junction. Helen loved to sing. Her last performance of songs was last November. She sat by Roy Abril's bedside and sang to him. Roy was not able to speak and he was very weak, but after Helen finished her songs, he looked at her with joy and clapped.

Helen brought joy, happiness and laughter to all who knew her. We will all miss you Annie. Viewing will be held Friday, August 31, 2007 from 9:00-10:00 AM at the Infant Jesus of Prague Catholic Church in Kearny, AZ.

Interment to follow at Mountain View Cemetery in Winkelman, AZ. Griffith Mortuary was entrusted by the family with funeral arrangements.

Published in The Arizona Republic on 8/30/2007.




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