Geraldine A. Garcia, age 62, died on Sunday, December 16 at St. Luke’s Hospital following a courageous battle with cancer. Mrs. Garcia was the beloved wife of Joe Garcia of New Bedford. Geri was survived by her parents, Elizabeth and Glenn Howard of Sitka, Alaska, as well as 4 loving children: Tracey Ray and her husband Paul from Nebraska; David Thompson and his wife Tammy of Kansas; James Thompson of New Bedford; and Jennifer Madeira and her husband Paul of New Bedford. She has 5 siblings: Glen Howard husband of Joni of Sitka, AK; the late Doris Anslem; Darryl Howard husband of Stacy from Sitka, AK; Cynthia Bass wife of Mark of Sitka, AK; and Judith Kell wife of Tony from Sitka, AK. Mrs. Garcia is also survived by 6 grandchildren: Justin, Samantha, Cody, Nathan, Aisyn and Brendan; 1 great-grandchild: Kora; 9 nieces/nephews and 4 grandnieces/nephews. She also had two Yorkshire Terriers: Precious and Mickey
Born in Juneau, Alaska, daughter to Elizabeth (Antioquia) and Glenn Howard, she moved to New Bedford when she was 18 years old. Back in Alaska, Geri was longtime member of the Sitka Emblem Lady Elks as well as the Alaska Native Sisterhood. She also volunteered her time at the Senior Center in Alaska. Geri was very proud of her Alaskan Tlingit heritage. Mrs. Garcia was very family orientated. She was known to be a caretaker beyond words for her loving family.
Visiting hours will take place in the funeral home on Saturday, December 22 between 6 – 8 P.M. Relatives and friends are invited. Arrangements are by Perry Funeral Home, 111 Dartmouth St. in New Bedford, MA.
A Celebration of Life in her honor will take in place at a later date in Alaska. For more information, please contact her family.