Olita Garcia

Olita left this world to join our Lord on April 7, 2013. She was born on May 22, 1925 in Lake Arthur, NM. Her parents were Rufino Padilla and Guadalupe Zamora Padilla Aldaz. She grew up in a blended family of eight siblings along with her mother and step-father, Epifano "Barney" Aldaz. Her siblings included, Perry Zamora, Lorenzo Aldaz, Isabel Aldaz, Nellie Baca, Ruby Padilla, Jack Padilla, Pat Aldaz and Joe Aldaz. Olita grew up in Lincoln County, Carrizozo, Capitan and Ft. Stanton areas. She met her husband Manuel "Manny" Garcia in 1944 in Roswell where he was stationed at the Roswell Army Airfield Base. During his off hours, Manuel played in a local orchestra while Olita would dance the night away doing the jitterbug. They married in 1945 and moved to his home town of Kingsville, Texas where he owned and operated a barbershop. Olita was unable to tolerate the humidity in Kingsville and convinced her husband to move back to New Mexico. Manual attended Highlands University graduating with a Bachelors and Master's Degree in Education and History. After which they moved to Wagon Mound, NM were they lived for six years where Manuel taught at the local High School. During the summer months, Olita attended Cosmetology School in Albuquerque. After completing school, she opened her own Beauty Salon in Wagon Mound. Olita, Manuel and family moved to Albuquerque in 1958. Manuel began teaching at Valley High School and Olita again opened her own Beauty Salon, La Mesa Beauty Shop which she owned and operated until Manuel's passing in 1985. Known for her strong work ethic and independence, Olita continued to work well into her senior years working at the Montebello Retirement Home beauty shop, Furr's Cafeteria, Melba's Dress Store and doing product demos at local grocery stores. She enjoyed spending hours each day visiting with friends and family both in person and by phone. Special people during her life included her neighbor Roger, Charmaine, Pat, Marc, Patrice, Bobbi and Joe, Joey, Gary, Lita, Clara, Betty and Dave, Margaret, Lois, Dorothy, Elvina P. and Elvina G., Bella, Jane, Ruth, Millie, Beverly and Lila, Ginger and Mac. Olita is survived by her loving family, Anna Luna, Lucy Garcia, Irene Garcia and Eric Best, Becky and Chris Horne; grandchildren, David Luna, Sarah Horne, Emily Beltramo, Jacob Horne and great grandchild, Ciera Luna. A Rosary will be recited on Friday, April 12, 2013, 6:00 p.m. at FRENCH - Lomas with a Visitation one hour prior. A Funeral Mass will be held Saturday, April 13, 2013, 9:00 a.m. at The Shrine of St. Bernadette Catholic Church, 11401 Indian School Road NE. Interment will follow at Gate of Heaven Cemetery. In lieu of flowers donations may be made to the Barrett House Foundation, 10300 Constitution Ave NE Albuquerque, NM 87112. Please visit our online guestbook for Olita at - Lomas10500 Lomas Blvd. NE(505) 275-3500