Theresa Garcia

Theresa M. Garcia, a loving mother, sister, grandmother, and devoted friend, passed away suddenly at her home on the evening of Thursday, November 14th, 2024, at the age of 67. She was born on November 7th, 1956, in Chamblay, Meurthe-et-Moselle, France, while her father, Manuel Garcia, proudly served in the United States Air Force. She was baptized in the Roman Catholic Church on December 2, 1956. Theresa was the daughter of Manuel and Beverly Garcia and grew up surrounded by the love of her family.

Known affectionately as Teri, she dedicated much of her life to the veterinary field, where she found her true calling. Her passion for animals was unmatched, and she devoted herself to the rehabilitation of wildlife, often collaborating with Game and Fish to care for injured animals. Teri's ability to nurse even the most unconventional creatures back to health became one of her most cherished talents. It was not unusual to see a skunk or other wild animals roaming freely around her home, a testament to her nurturing spirit.

In her younger years, Teri studied Tae Kwon Do and was known for her athleticism, often winning the backyard races in which she participated. Her competitive spirit and zest for life were part of what made her so unforgettable. In her later years she enjoyed spending time outdoors, adventuring in the forest, camping and fishing with her family and friends.

Beyond her love of animals, Teri's faith played an essential role in her life. Her involvement with the Blue Ridge Christian Center was a turning point, bringing her closer to Jesus Christ. She found a deep sense of peace and community within the fellowship, and her faith became a guiding force in her life. Teri cherished her connection to Christ and shared that love with everyone around her.

Above all, Teri's greatest joy was her family. She was a loving mother to her daughters, Andrea Skiba and Danielle Belliston. She also gave the gift of life to a son, whom she gave up for adoption. Teri was a devoted grandmother to Andrew Fulton, Cole Eberson Jr., Hunter Belliston, Mikayla Belliston, and Bailey Belliston. She is survived by her siblings Michael Garcia, Lori Garcia, and Steven Garcia. In the last four years of her life, Teri found comfort in caring for her ill mother, Beverly, and cherished the quality time spent with her best friend and brother, Steven.

Teri's kindness, warmth, and nurturing spirit touched the lives of all who knew her. She was a woman of incredible strength, whose compassion for both her family and the animals she loved will never be forgotten. Her presence will be deeply missed by her family and friends, but her legacy of love, faith, and care will continue to live on in all who were fortunate enough to have known her.

A private memorial service will be held to celebrate Teri's life and the joy she brought to all those around her. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to https://petalliesaz.org/how-to-help/donate.html .

Theresa will be remembered for her unwavering love for her family, her deep compassion for animals, her steadfast faith in Jesus Christ, and her ability to make the world a better place through kindness and selflessness.