Barbara Joan Garcia's Obituary
Barbara Joan Garcia, an Encinitas resident since the 1950’s, passed away September 22, 2012. Surrounded by family, Joanie fought a courageous but quick battle with lung cancer and gave up her fight at the age of 79. Through it all, she was laced with grace, strength, and humor.Born near Mountain Grove, Missouri, she lived on a small family farm with her parents and sister. At the age of twelve, after her father’s passing, they moved to California and found a new life. As a young woman, she worked as a seamstress and for the phone company while attending school. Joanie married at the tender age of 18. After settling in Encinitas with her family she was widowed at the age of 34. She was then blessed with another chance and married for 30 more years until she was widowed again in 1999.In addition to raising five children, Joanie had a long career in nursing and hospital administration. She enjoyed many hobbies such as driving fast cars, doll collecting, gardening and had a love for all animals, as well as keeping up with Fox News & current political events. She was happiest when surrounded by her family, and believed in ‘family first, always’. She will be sorely missed by all. Left to cherish her memory are her children Teresa, Raul (Cheryl), Genaro (Jordan), Geanna (Scott) and grandchildren Cole, Sophia, Mateo, Luke and Wyatt. Joan will also be dearly missed by her sisters Jane and Judy, stepchildren Cathy, Rebecca and Raul, and many nieces, nephews, in-laws, neighbors and friends. Joanie is predeceased by her first husband Raul, and second husband Gene and her son, Robert of Utah.
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