Mercedes

Garcia

Mercedes Garcia, age 74, of Harlingen, Texas, passed away on Saturday, January 30, 2021. She was born September 23, 1946 in Sebastian, Texas to Juan and Consuelo (Chelo) Guerrero.

In 1966, Mercedes married Guillermo "Willie" Garcia in Sebastian, Texas. She was a retired Special Education teacher at Harlingen Consolidated Independent School District. Her years in education also included her Alma Mater of Lyford High School as a Special Education Teacher before returning and retiring at HCISD. During her years in education, she inspired and touched the lives of many students, parents, educators, and administrators with her passion for learning, teaching, humor, and guidance.

During her time with HCISD she also worked for the Harlingen CISD Parental involvement dropout Prevention Department as the Professional Community Liaison before her retirement. Mercedes was passionate about making a difference in the lives of the families she worked with. Her love of God, Life, and her family was the foundation of her work and its success. During this time, she touched the hearts of staff, parents, and students. She was an advocate of parental involvement and truly believed in how much good it did for children. She would help coordinate parent activities for the district and truly put her heart in the events. Mercedes would make sure district parents attended these events and loved to see them participate. She enjoyed attending Conferences at the local and state level. Mercedes was a true educator and made a difference and will be missed.

She dedicated numerous hours of volunteer work to Our Lady of the Assumption Catholic Church in Harlingen, St. Martin of Tours Catholic Church in Sebastian, non-profit organizations, and local Democratic/Political support events. Ms. Garcia graduated from the University of Texas Pan American in 1985 and attended Lyford High School in Lyford, Texas class of 1965.

Mercedes also belonged to The Theta Omega Sorority from 1990 to 2000. Mercedes had the honor of being the president for this ladies organization. This organization was proud of providing college scholarships for Harlingen high school seniors and Harlingen south seniors each year. The annual Posada Dance during Christmas time was always an exciting time for everyone involved.

Mercedes was also proud to be a member of the Catholic Daughters.

Mercedes was also on the Harlingen Public Library Board. During her tenure on the library board, she was involved in the building and dedication of the current Harlingen Library in 1992.

Mercedes is preceded in death by her husband, Guillermo (Willie) Garcia; father, Juan Guerrero Sr.; and mother, Consuelo Benavides Guerrero.

She leaves to cherish her beautiful memory her daughter, Melissa (Missy) Rodriguez and her son, David Garcia; two grandchildren, Reva Leanna Rodriguez and Priscilla Rae Rodriguez; one great granddaughter, Hailey Marie Rodriguez; two brothers, Nicolas (Gloria) Guerrero and Juan (Sherry) Guerrero Jr.; and four sisters, Ernestina Guerrero, Victoria (Pete+) Alvarez, Gloria (Abel+) Cavazos, and Lucila (Roy) Salinas.

Visitation will be held on Thursday, February 4, 2021, from 1:00 pm until 9:00 pm at Trinity Funeral Chapel of the Holy Spirit.

Funeral Service will be held on Friday, February 5, 2021 at 2:00 pm at San Martin de Tours in Sebastian, Texas. Interment will follow to Sebastian Cemetery.

Honored to serve as pallbearers are Johnny Joe Guerrero, Enrique "Rick" Rodriguez, Joe Trevino, Jaime Benavides, Basilio Guerrrero, Felix Rodriguez, Guadalupe "Gaddy" Rodriguez, and Joe Escamilla. Honorary pallbearers are Valentin Flores and Joe Ayala.

Due to covid-19 restrictions Missy and David respectfully ask for only family attend the funeral mass on Friday at 2 pm. It breaks our hearts that all her beautiful friends are not able to comfort us in this very difficult time. Our mom was very cautious and always practiced social distancing. We both would like to honor her wishes. Hopefully soon we can gather and celebrate our beautiful mom.

Arrangements are under the direction of Trinity at Harrison Funeral Home, 1002 East Harrison Ave. Harlingen, TX 78550. www.trinityfunerals.com.