Eloida Garcia's Obituary
ObituaryMs. Eloida Garcia, resident of Oakland, passed away at the age of 83 on Sunday, October 2, 2011. She was born in Taos, NM on July 22, 1928 the second oldest of seven children. She moved to California when she was 25 years old when she married her husband Jerry. Survivors include her siblings, Ismael Salazar, Teresa Gonzalez, Josephina Esquibel , Wallace Salazar, Abel Salazar, her daughters and sons-in-laws, Bernadette Preciado, Rosemary & Enriquez Vazquez, Laura & George Lopez and Marvin Cubias; her beloved grandchildren, Cecilia, Carlos, Victor, Diana, Alex, Levi, Juliana & Mateo and many cousins, nieces, nephews, friends and extended family members. Preceding her in death are her parents, Levi & Irene Salazar, her brother Ramon Salazar, husband Jerry Garcia, her daughter Wanda Garcia and son-in-law Frederico Preciado. Eloida Garcia was a woman of enduring courage and spiritual integrity. She raised four daughters single handily and was a Jack-of- all-Trades and Master-of many. She was a trend setter before her time. She was a talented seamstress at a very young age, making dolls, doll clothes and dresses for her younger sisters as they grew up. Her daughters always had matching outfits and could always count on a one-of -a- kind designer ensemble for every occasion. She made beautiful croquette blankets for her loved one. She never took “It can’t be done” as an answer as she always figured it out. There was nothing that she could not do, and as she put it, “only with Jehovah’s help.” Grandma always had time in her busy schedule to sit and play a million games with her grandchildren or just sit and listen; and if needed a strong “nalgada.”. She was full of wonderful sayings, songs and practical advice. Her hospitality was known to all and she never let anyone leave her home hungry or without something special. “Jehovah Always Provides” (and He did).Sister Garcia, also known as Ida and “Little Pint”, started studying the Bible in the early seventies and soon thereafter made a dedication; she was baptized as a Jehovah’s Witness in 1975. Throughout her dedication, she was actively involved in her ministry, but longed to do more. So, in 1981, she embarked on a new career and entered the full time service as a Pioneer, dedicating numerous hours of sharing her faith with others unconditionally. She had the honor of attending Pioneer School twice. She had the joy of associating very closely with at least three congregations, East, Melrose, and San Leandro North. She continued to do God’s work until the end, even conducting what she called her “bedside Bible studies” with anyone who would listen. She was a wonderful mother, a doting grandmother, a fine example of faith. She will be missed by all.
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