Bonnie Garcia

Bonnie L. Garcia passed away on Wednesday, February 15, 2012 at the age of 92. Bonnie's love for her family and her city was the focus of her life.-She was an elegant lady and a successful business owner. From a very young age she owned and operated Bonnie's Beauty Shop on San Eduardo Street, the site of her childhood.-She specialized in hairdressing, permanent oil waves, manicure, facials and oil shampoo. She loved this location because she could walk to downtown Laredo.-Bonnie gave up her career to marry the love of her life, Eloy Garcia, and raised six children in a new neighborhood in the heights.-She and Eloy also brought Bonnie's mother, Mama Cunda and sister, Trini to live with them in their new home.-To keep so many children entertained in a time when there were no televisions or electronics, she read to them.-It was a blessing that all her children benefited from: "You may have tangible wealth untold; Caskets of jewels and coffers of gold. Richer than I you can never be-I had a Mother who read to me."-After her children were grown and her mother and sister had passed, Bonnie returned to run one of the family businesses on 908 Hidalgo Street.-She spent many successful and happy years helping people out-in her office downtown.-Her favorite pastime was to read and visit with her customers and learn all about their family life. She was in the E.G. Ranch Partnership with her husband and children.-But she never forgot her role as a wife, mother, sister, aunt, grandmother, and great grandmother.-Her family played a huge role in her life and now sadly, the Lopez family has lost their last matriarch.

When Bonnie and Eloy retired they traveled extensively with Eloy's brother and his wife, and with each one of their grown children.-They spent many days at Disney World with their grandchildren.-Bonnie shared her husband with the Laredo Junior College and shared both he and her son, Eloy Jr., with the U.S. Military, as well as her daughter, Betty, with the Citizens of Laredo. She often chose to remain at home behind the lime light but never stopped from providing feedback, ideas and support.-She loved each one of her six children and stood by them during-happy and-sad times. Her love extended to all the children of Laredo.-This love moved her to donate land to the United Independent School District where-Bonnie L. Garcia Elementary School was built. The children delighted Bonnie when they visited her at her care center. She lectured to them, asked them to read, stay in school and go to college.

She was preceded in death by her loving husband, Eloy Garcia Sr.; grandson, Antonio Flores Jr.; her parents, Jose and Segundina Lopez; brother, Leo Lopez; sister, Susana Lopez; as well as numerous other half brothers and sisters.

Bonnie is survived by her children, Elizabeth "Betty" (Antonio) Flores, Eloy Garcia Jr., Elsa Bonnie (Frank) Jasso, Efrain (Brenda) Garcia, Edna Garcia, Edgar (Tricia) Garcia; grandchildren, Cristina Flores, Tori (William Price) Garcia, Eugene (Wendy) Garcia, Aileen Garcia, Briana Garcia, Valerie Garza, Vanessa (Saul) Lara, Edna O. Garcia, ShelleyTiffee; great grandchildren, Antonio Flores Guevara, Austin Garcia, J.T. Garcia, Alysse Lara, Victor Eloy Casso, Carolina Casso, Saul Lara Jr., Joaquin S. Lara; and other relatives including, Irene Guzmen, Mike Benck, Victor M. Garza, Sally Hurd, and Joey Garza.

We wish to thank Dr. Luis Benavides,-Dr. Elsa S. Canales, Dr. Monte D. Allen, Dr. Robert Hudson and the nurses and CNAs at Regent Health Care for their attention to our mother.-We also thank our dear cousins, Dr. Jonas Garcia and Dr. Robert Nix for their advice and concern.-Many thanks to Mama's companeras: Isa, Paty, Beatriz, Laura and especially Chayo who was more like a daughter to her.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that you donate to the Bonnie L. Garcia Elementary School Library Fund, 1453 Concord Hills.