Barbara Lee Garcia
(May 14, 1929 – June 15, 2023) Barbara Lee Garcia, a woman of grace, kindness, and love, passed away on June 15, 2023. She was a devoted mother, a friend to many, and a beacon of joy that transcended throughout all the years of her life.
Moving to Albuquerque after graduation from Loyola University in New Orleans and her marriage to Reginald Garcia, Barbara became an active member of the community. In the early years, she worked as a medical technician for Dr. Harold Runnels until the birth of her third child. An avid gardener, she sat on the boards of All Faiths, Las Amapolas Garden Club, and was a member of the Junior League and several other local organizations.
Barbara was a pillar of kindness, living her life with unwavering dignity and respect for others. She embodied selflessness and had a genuine heart that always put others before herself. Her smile and charm would light up a room everywhere she went. Her kind heart touched the lives of everyone who had the privilege of knowing her.
The daughter of Leona and Chester Wimberly, Barbara is survived by her sister Betty, brother Wiley, five children Kirk, Tim, Kevin, Brigitte (Herman), and Galen, as well as eleven grandchildren and fifteen great grandchildren.
As a mother, Barbara was the embodiment of love. She dedicated herself to nurturing and supporting her children, grandchildren and great grandchildren in all their endeavors. Her home was a welcome place with an open door and warm meal to all of the friends, neighbors and athletic community that became a part of her extended family. Her wonderful meals followed by her homemade Natillas and Dusties will forever be cherished and remembered by those who gathered at her table.
To her friends, Barbara was a true and faithful friend. With her warm smile and compassionate nature, she had the ability to brighten the spirits of everyone she touched. Her genuine friendship was treasured by so many, and her absence will be deeply missed by the Garden Club, the Monday prayer group, and the Sunday morning breakfast group at the Frontier Restaurant.
Barbara’s memory will continue to live on through the countless lives she touched. Her legacy reminds us all of the importance of putting others before ourselves, and of living a life filled with grace, kindness, and love. She leaves a void that cannot be filled, but her spirit will continue to guide us and inspire us to live our lives with the same level of compassion and selflessness that she embodied. Rest in peace, dear Barbara. Your beautiful soul will forever be etched in our hearts, and your legacy of kindness will continue to inspire us all.
Barbara was a devoted Christian and became a member of the Catholic Church after moving to Albuquerque.
In honor of Barbara, the family will have a celebration service on Friday, July 28, 2023, beginning at 10:00 am at St. Charles Borromeo Church located at Coal Place and University Blvd. in Albuquerque, to be followed by a Catholic Mass starting at 11:00 am. The family requests that attendees to the celebration service wear colors rather than black attire. Immediately after Mass, a celebration gathering with family and friends will take place in the Auditorium behind the St. Charles Church. Friends and family are invited to share stories and memories of the abundant warmth and love that Barbara shared with everyone she knew. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that contributions be made in Barbara’s name to All Faiths Children’s Advocacy Center, 1709 Moon Street NE, Albuquerque, NM 87112,
allfaiths@allfaiths.org.