Maria Idoliza "Licha" Garcia

Maria Idoliza “Licha” Garcia
June 4, 1935 - September 25, 2026

Maria I. Garcia, 91, passed away peacefully on September 25th in Arizona. Maria is now reunited with her beloved husband Francisco Adolio Garcia, who also passed away on September 25th 17 years ago, son Jorge “Streader” Garcia, her mother and father, and 7 siblings.

Maria is survived by four of her children: sons, John (Tina) Garcia & Francisco “Frank” "Pancho" Garcia and daughters, Guadalupe Garcia & Patricia (Adolfo) Velez; her eight grandchildren: Geneva, Zachary, Grant, & Meredith; Teresa; Star, Jorge, Rick, & Nick; Gabriel; and Jessica & Erica; and great-grandchildren.

Visitation will be held on Tuesday, October 6, 2026 from 9:00 to 11:00 am at FIFE FUNERAL HOME, 4201 Indianapolis Blvd., East Chicago, Indiana.  Burial to follow after visitation at Elmwood Cemetery, Hammond, Indiana.

Maria came to the United States from General Teran, Nuevo Leon, Mexico with her husband and son, John, in 1955 and settled in East Chicago. Maria was an avid seamstress, crafter, and creator. Maria loved to sew, crochet, and knit and could make decorations, jewelry, and various household items out of any material or even scraps. She taught at and frequented The Penn Center, Heritage Hall, and the Clemente Center, sharing her love of creating with others.

Maria was a habitual practicer of natural and holistic healing. To know her meant you were given a remedy for whatever ailment you were facing.

Maria had a tenacity for life, she was a breast cancer survivor and was fond of traveling back to Mexico to visit with family and friends. Maria also loved when her family visited her and Adolio, hosting many Christmas Eves and other holidays; you never left empty-handed.

With a very special thank you, Maria spent her final years in the care of her son, Frank, with the help of his daughter Teresa and Teresa’s daughter, Hailie. Before Maria was in the care of Frank, she was wheelchair bound. Frank was able to get Maria out of her wheelchair completely. Maria was able to dance and move about because of Frank’s dedication; she lived a very full and active life with them in Arizona.  To send an online condolence, logon to: www.fifefuneralhome.com

 

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