Emilia Rodriguez Garcia

Emilia Rodriguez Garcia Emilia Rodriguez Garcia, beloved mother, grandmother, great grandmother and longtime educator peacefully passed away on December 15, 2013 with her family at her side. Born September 18, 1924, in Guerrero Viejo, she lived all her life in Laredo, Texas. She was a Chartered Teacher at Lamar Middle School, teaching math and inspiring countless young people. A graduate of Ursuline Academy, she was a trailblazer in education by going off to college at an early age when most women did not even attend college and graduating from Incarnate Word College, with honors, in San Antonio, Texas. She loved teaching and retired after 35 years. Emilia was loved by everyone she touched and made friends with everyone she met. In 1947, she married the love of her life, Eduardo Garcia, and with the blessings of God raised five sons. A devout Catholic, Emilia was active in the Blessed Sacrament Altar Society, Laredo Retired Teachers, Les Amis Birthday Club, Ursuline Academy Alumnae, Aggie Moms, Incarnate Word Alumnae. She and her family were recognized by the Governor of the State of Texas during the Sesquicentennial for being ranch land owners for over 150 years. Emilia is preceded in death by her husband, Eduardo; her parents, Rosa Garcia and Zaragoza Rodriguez Sr.; her great grandson, Adrian Garcia; her brothers, Victor Rodriguez, Roberto Rodriguez and Zaragoza Rodriguez, Jr. She is also preceded in death by her parents in law, Tomas and Herminia Garcia; her brothers in law Tomas Garcia, Jr. Roberto Garcia; and sisters in law, Doris Rodriguez, Olga Bergeron and Toby Garcia. She leaves to cherish her memory, her family. Sons, Eduardo L. Garcia (Berta), Corpus Christi; Ricardo L. Garcia, Austin; Francisco L. (Lilia) Garcia, Jorge L. Garcia (Raquel), Alice; and Javier L (Linda) Garcia; grandchildren Jorge L. Garcia, Jr., Rebecca L. Garcia, Rosella L. Garcia, Rubiana L. Garcia, Clarisa (Greg) Rhodes, Gabriel (Emily) Garcia, Giselle Garcia, and Alysha Garcia; and six great grandchildren. Also her brother, Francisco (Raquel) Rodriguez of Zapata; brother in law, Jesus (Deanna) Garcia, Watsonville, CA; and sisters in law, Ernestina V Rodriguez, Victoria Rodriguez, Alicia Garcia Davis, and Angelica Garcia as well as numerous nephews, nieces, cousins and dear friends including her forever best friend Dr. Irene Ramirez. A rosary will be recited on Tuesday, December 17, 2013 at 7:00 p.m. in the Hillside Funeral Chapel. A visitation will be held from 5:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. A funeral service will be held on Wednesday, December 18, 2013 at 10:30 a.m. from Hillside Funeral Home to Blessed Sacrament Catholic Church. A mass will be celebrated at 11:00 a.m. Interment will follow at the family plot of the Calvary Catholic Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, please make donations to the Emilia R. Garcia Endowed Scholarship Fund for Education at Texas A&M International University, 5201 University Blvd., Laredo, Texas 78041. The family wishes to thank her caregivers Chila Gonzalez and San Juanita Ramirez. If you would like to sign the guestbook or send private condolences, you may do so at www.hillsidefuneral.com. Arrangements are under the direction of Hillside Funeral Home, 310 Hillside Road.