Pauline Grace Baca Garcia

Pauline Grace Baca Garcia, 86, of Albuquerque, New Mexico, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, January 14, 2025. Born on January 25, 1938, in Belen, New Mexico, to Elfego and Florela Baca, Pauline graduated from Belen High School where she was an active student, serving as class president and cheerleader.

Her upbringing, as the daughter of a seamstress and Chief of Police, deeply influenced her character and skills. This foundation nurtured her giving heart, strong Christian faith, and a remarkable talent for sewing, cooking, and artistic expression.

Pauline met her husband, Bob Garcia, at a dance at the University of New Mexico. She worked as an administrative assistant at Sandia National Labs until the birth of their first child, Russell, after which she devoted herself to raising their family.

Pauline was known for her unwavering kindness, deep faith in Christ, and a delightful sense of humor. A devoted wife and mother, she was actively involved in her children's lives, volunteering in their classrooms and sharing her culinary talents with family and friends. Her recipes for tortillas, chile, bizcochitos, and other family favorites remain cherished by all.

A truly remarkable woman, Pauline was a compassionate listener, a spiritual guide, and a mentor to her family. She played an instrumental role in the raising of her grandson, Kevin, providing unwavering love and support that served as the cornerstone of her family's strength and success.

Pauline and Bob were deeply involved in their faith community, St. John XXIII Catholic Community. She generously volunteered her time, serving on the banner-making team for church decorations, assisting at the food pantry, tutoring those seeking citizenship or English language skills, sponsoring refugee families, and leading Bible studies.

After raising her children, Pauline discovered and nurtured her artistic talents, becoming a skilled painter and potter. Her artwork was showcased and sold at renowned venues such as Weem's Gallery, the Annual Hispanic Arts and Crafts Fair, the New Mexico State Fair, and other festivals.

Pauline and her husband shared a love of travel, exploring diverse cultures and landscapes around the world including Mexico, Spain, Guam and China to Egypt and Israel. They also cherished time at the cabin they built in Los Brazos, New Mexico, where they enjoyed fishing, hiking, cross-country skiing, and simply savoring the serenity of the mountain air.

Pauline was preceded in death by her husband, her parents, her brother George (Ginny) Baca, her sisters Evangeline (Buddy) Gallegos and Norena Castillo, and her nephews Bobby and Michael Gallegos.

She is survived by her brother-in-law, Philip Castillo; her son, Russell (Carla) Garcia; her daughter, Yvonne Garcia; her grandchildren, Kevin (Kierstin) Anderson, Stephen (Kelsi) Garcia, Kristin Wagner, Kayce (Derek) Carter, and Tyler Wagner; nine great-grandchildren; and numerous beloved nieces and nephews.

The family would like to thank all friends and family who walked with her on her Alzheimer's journey especially, the folks at La Vida Llena and Roadrunner Hospice who cared for her through her last days.

The funeral service will be held on February 28th at St. John XXIII Catholic Community, a eulogy will be said at 9:45 am followed by Funeral Mass at 10:00. A luncheon will follow the services at Sunday Service Motor Company 2701 4th St. NW Albuquerque, NM 87107. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to the Alzheimer's Association or a charity of your choice in her name.