NEWTON—Mary Helen Garcia died Monday, Aug. 24, 2020, at Ascension Via Christi Regional Medical Center-St. Francis Campus in Wichita.
She was born on Feb. 19, 1939, in Newton, the daughter of Nicolas and Guadalupe Dominguez Garcia. Mary was raised and attended schools in Newton. She married Joe “Lollie” Garcia on Oct. 25, 1956, in Chicago, and they continued to live there for 10 years before returning to Newton. Joe died on Dec. 10, 1995.
Mary was a baker in the kitchen of Newton High School for over 20 years. She was a longtime member of Our Lady of Guadalupe Catholic Church.
Mary was always eager to entertain; she loved gardening, traveling and music. She was always willing to help out in any way she could.
Survivors include her two children Margarita Shepler and Julian A. Garcia; daughter-in-law Michelle Garcia; sister Carole Martinez, all of Newton; along with eight grandchildren; and nine great-grandchildren.
Mary was preceded in death by her parents; husband; son Steven Garcia; three brothers Julian Garcia, Marcelo Garcia and Jimmy Garcia; and one sister Betty Atkinson.
The Recitation of the Holy Rosary will be at 7 p.m. Sunday, Aug. 30, at Athletic Park in Newton.
The Mass of Christian Burial will be at 10 a.m. Monday, Aug. 31, at Our Lady of Guadalupe Catholic Church in Newton. Inurnment will be in St. Mary’s Catholic Cemetery in Newton.
There will be no visitation or viewing as cremation has been affected.
A memorial has been established with St. Jude’s Children Hospital, and contributions may be sent to Broadway Colonial Funeral Home, 120 E. Broadway, Newton, KS, 67114.
Condolences may be left at www.broadwaycolonialfh.com.
Arrangements are by Broadway Colonial Funeral Home, Newton.
