Pura Garcia

Pura Garcia was born to Matilde Mendez and Felicita Ruiz in Puerto Rico at a time when families worldwide were raising children amid the hardships of a global economic depression. Pura, meaning Pure, came into the world on November 20, 1931, but for some reason, she always thought her birthday was December 8th. It wasn’t until some time later, when she needed to obtain her birth certificate, that she discovered the correct date. However, Pura continued to mark her birthday in December, a fitting time of celebration and joy.

Pura was joined in marriage to Celestino Garcia, Sr., and they were blessed with twelve children. As expected, she worked at home attending to her busy family. Even when she was on her own after 1969, Pura cared for them with diligence and a faith that was nurtured by Old St. Mary’s Church in Milwaukee, where she was a member.

Pura Garcia, age 80 of Milwaukee, Wisconsin, died at her home on Sunday March 11, 2012. Mrs. Garcia was the wife of Celestino Sr. and mother of Minerva (Evangelista), Celestino Jr., Nelida, Esperanza (Ignacio Martinez), Awilda (Wendell) Butler, Antonio, Roberto (Helga), Ruben (Cynthia), Shirley (Willi) Foth, Evelyn Aleman, and Steven (Xuechao). She is further survived by 22 grandchildren, 3 great-grandchildren, brothers, sisters, other relatives and friends. Visitation is scheduled for Friday, March 16 at St. Francis Church, 327 W. Brown St. in Milwaukee from 10AM until the time of the Funeral Mass at 11AM. Interment at Holy Cross Cemetery.