Betty Jean Garcia

Betty Jean Garcia passed into Glory with her Lord and Savior Jesus Christ on May 5, 2024, at the age of 77. She was a beloved mother and grandmother, wife, sister, aunt and friend who will be deeply missed by all who knew her.

Betty was born on May 24, 1946 in Chicago, Illinois, before moving to Gardena, California at the age of eight. She graduated from Gardena High School and went on to attend the University of California, Riverside. She graduated with a BA in Philosophy and later received her teaching credential. She would go on to teach almost 40 years, enjoying middle school language arts the most. Throughout her career, she was known for her love of great literature and her dedication to the craft of writing, including a passion for turning every student into a writer.

Second only to a faithful servant of the Lord Jesus Christ, Betty was a devoted mother and grandmother. She loved spending time with her family, spoiling her grandchildren, and socializing with friends. She was always there to offer support, encouragement, and free editing to those who needed it.

In her free time, Betty enjoyed traveling, reading, watching hockey and eagerly shared her knowledge and enthusiasm for art, music, and good books with others. She was a faithful member of her church and a local women’s bible study. She delighted in regularly spending time with her bunko group, her two book clubs, retired teacher friends, and breakfast with her in-laws.

Betty is survived by her two sisters, Susan and Tommi, and her brother Bill; her three children, Luis (Darcy), Sara (Juan), and Raquel (Jericho); her ten grandchildren: Abigail (Austin), Kayleigh, Olivia, Kristina, Sofia, Eli, Sam, Inna, Philomena and Solomon, and one great-grandchild, Madelyn. Betty was preceded in death by her husband, Fortunato, and her older brother Earl.

Her memory will be cherished by all who knew her.