Tributes

Josephine H. Garcia, 95, of Floresville and San Antonio, passed away peacefully at her home on July 17, 2026. Born in 1931, she grew up on Noria Street on the west side of San Antonio, the oldest of three children. Growing up during the Depression was difficult, but Josie was a survivor and overcomer. She was a seemingly gentle but inwardly fierce personality. She married Fortunato D. Garcia on August 3, 1950, and together they raised seven children. Josie was the best of homemakers, keeping an impeccably clean home, a beautiful yard filled with her beloved plants and flowers, and cooking her delicious fideo, beans, rice and tortillas for her large family. The family did not have much in those years, but Josie made it work, always managing to stretch the family resources just far enough to get the job done. With only a limited grammar school education and limited English, she nonetheless capably advocated for her family and did everything required of a parent. She was the family matriarch, allowing Fortunato to believe he was in charge while she made all the important decisions and managed the finances. Josie leaves behind a legacy of love, faith, and many offspring. She is survived by her seven children: Ernest (Irma), Mary (Adrian), Tomas, Eddie (Mary), Carlos (Monica), Oscar (Ana), and JoAnn. It was JoAnn who devotedly served as her primary caregiver, assisted by Mary Pedraza, during the last years of Josie’s life. She is also survived by her 12 grandchildren and 14 great-grandchildren. Josie lived a long life in which she outlived most of her generation of friends and family, and she was preceded in death by her loving husband, Fortunato. Josie loved her kids and grandkids and also her three fur-babies, Chacha, Lady and Blondie. She enjoyed traveling and made numerous trips to Hawaii, Florida, California, and she even cruised. Josie was a talented, avid crafter, maker, crocheter, and seamstress. She never tired of shopping with her daughters, watching re-runs of The Price is Right (especially the Bob Barker seasons), and playing Bingo. Before she went to be with her Lord, all her children were able to visit with her. Her gentle passing was an answered prayer. She will be missed by her large family. Josie’s family is grateful to God for her long life filled with many blessings and grace. A visitation will be held on Friday, July 24, 2026, beginning at 5:00 p.m. at Mission Park Funeral Home, 1700 S.E. Military Drive. A rosary will occur at 6:30 p.m. with more visitation to follow. Final visitation will be 8:00-9:00 a.m. on Saturday, July 25, 2026, with interment at 9:30 a.m. at San Jose cemetery. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to the Puppy Food Bank (puppyfoodbank.org) or the San Antonio Food Bank (safoodbank.org).

Tributes

Josephine H. Garcia

February 18, 1931 - July 17, 2026