Maria Christina Garcia

Maria Christina Garcia

December 19, 1953 – October 27, 2025

Maria Christina Garcia, age 71, of Gregory, Texas, passed away on October 27, 2025, after a long battle with liver disease.

Maria was born on December 19, 1953, to Julia Diaz and Ramon Sanchez-Moreno, and was later lovingly raised by Petra Arriaga Sanchez in Matamoros, Mexico. She later moved to Gregory, where at the age of 17, she met the love of her life, Lazaro Garcia. They were married on October 30, 1971, and built a beautiful life together.

Maria worked for more than 30 years at Lexington Manor Retirement Home in Aransas Pass, Texas, where she cared for the elderly with compassion and dedication until her retirement in 2017. She was a devoted member of the Catholic Church and had a passion for fashion, beauty, and, above all, her family. Her family was the most important part of her life. She was truly the glue that held them together.

Maria is survived by her beloved husband Lazaro Garcia and children:

Cynthia Garcia (partner Les Cassidy)  and her son Jacob Chavez

Elizabeth Balli and her husband Eric Balli, and their children Pateric Balli, John Eric Balli, and great-granddaughter Audrie Balli

Monica Garcia, her late husband George Ferdin, and their children Richard Ferdin (partner Erica Gilkeson), Jonathan Ferdin (partner Evallie Rivera), Aaron Ferdin, and Michael Garcia; great-grandchildren Hennessey Marie Ferdin, Noah Ferdin, Leo Ferdin-Rivera, Elliana Arroyo, and Luna Arroyo 

Lazaro Garcia Jr. and his wife Jessica Garcia, and their children Brandon R. Garcia (partner Robyn Moreno), Eric T. Garcia (partner Sarah Hardcastle), and Derek M. Garcia (fiancée Britney Cid) 

Christopher Garcia and his former partner Crystal Ramirez, and their children Christian B. Garcia and Claire R. Garcia 

Virginia Salinas, her late husband Omar Salinas, and their daughter Jersey Salinas (fiancé Robert Anthony Vasquez).

She is also survived by her siblings Isabel Christina Sanchez, Maria Guadalupe Arriaga, Maria Luisa Rodriguez, and Alexandro Alfaro, and was preceded in death by her brother Eluterio Sanchez.

She is further survived by her beloved nieces and nephews: Guillermina N. Sanchez (Daniel), Adriana G. Sanchez (Manny), Elizabeth LaFountaine (Jerry), Rodolfo Sanchez (Brenda), Blanca Recio (Aaron), Ramon Rodriguez (Isis), Antonio Rodriguez (Sarai), Stephanie Lacey (Shawn), Oswaldo Rodriguez (Brenda), Rosa Alfaro (Julio), Petra Alfaro, Alexandro Alfaro Jr., Maria Guadalupe Alfaro, and Leticia Alfaro.

Maria was preceded in death by her parents Julia Diaz and Ramon Sanchez-Moreno, her stepmother Petra Arriaga Sanchez, her sons-in-law George Ferdin and Omar Salinas, and her brother Eluterio Sanchez.

She will also be remembered for her deep love for her loyal dog, Baba, who brought her joy and companionship for many years.

A viewing and Holy Rosary will be held at Charlie Marshall Funeral Home, 2003 W. Wheeler Ave., Aransas Pass, TX 78336, on Monday, November 3, 2025, from 4:00–9:00 PM, with the Rosary at 7:00 PM. A Funeral Mass will follow at Immaculate Conception Catholic Church, 107 Church St., Gregory, TX 78359, on Tuesday, November 4, 2025, at 10:00 AM, with interment to follow at Gregory Cemetery.