Maria went to be with the Lord on December 19, 2022, at the age of 90. One hundred and eleven days later, Deacon Joe, joined her on April 9, 2023, at the Age of 94.
Deacon Joe and Maria were married on May 1,1954 and they have five children: Theresa Garcia (Anaheim, CA), Irene Sabourin (Fair Oaks, CA), Richard Garcia (Eagle, ID), Joseph Garcia (Yucaipa, CA) and Gloria Piña (Carson City, NV.) Thirteen grandchildren and twenty-eight great-grandchildren.
On May 31 st , 1980, he was ordained a Deacon, in St. Mel’s parish in Norco, California. From this point on he became known to everyone as Deacon Joe. A highlight of his ministry came on September 15, 1987, when he was selected to serve with Pope John Paul in the celebration of Mass in the Los Angeles Coliseum for over 100,000 followers. In 2003, he and Maria moved to Carson City, NV and they continued ministry at St. Teresa Of Avila Catholic Church in Carson City, NV.
Marias passion was also with the Catholic Church; volunteering in the church office, sewing liturgical garments, she was also a Eucharistic minister. Most importantly, during our father’s ministry, she was his anchor. She understood the hardships of his ministry and provided the support he needed.
The Rosary will be June 9th at 12:30 pm and the Service 1:00 pm at St. Teresa Of Avila Catholic Church, 3000 N Lompa Lane Carson City, NV.
The service will be live streamed at https://youtube.com/live/cDqMPrYP8yw