Maria Candelaria "Candy" Garcia

SAN JUAN - Maria Candelaria (Velasquez) Garcia, 72, of San Juan, entered her eternal home on Monday, August 24, 2026, surrounded by her loving family. Born on February 2, 1954, Maria was the daughter of Jose Elias Hernandez and Carlota (Velasquez) Garza. She grew up in Hidalgo, Texas, where she attended school and later earned her GED.

Maria met Juan Garcia Jr. while they were working in the tomato fields of Indiana. Their connection was immediate, and just months later, they married on April 9, 1973. Their love and marriage blossomed throughout the years as they built a life together and raised their four daughters: Judy, Amy, Erica, and Nancy.

As a mother, Maria provided her daughters with constant spiritual guidance, unconditional love, and steadfast encouragement. She was their number one supporter and the person they could always turn to. She embodied everything a mother should be. Maria was a remarkable, hardworking woman who held many roles throughout her life, including laborer, truck driver alongside her husband, cook, and housekeeper. After retiring, she embraced what she considered her most treasured role: being a grandmother. Helping raise her four grandchildren fulfilled her lifelong calling as a loving nurturer.

Her kitchen was always in use, and she lovingly prepared meals for countless relatives and friends throughout the years. She blended flavor and love into every dish, and her cooking never failed to earn compliments. Maria wore her aprons with confidence, knowing that whatever she prepared would be enjoyed by all.

Maria instilled Christian values in her family by sharing the Gospel and showing others the same compassion and love demonstrated by Christ. She was a devoted prayer warrior whose words carried depth and whose prayers made a lasting impact. She was a member of Iglesia Del Valle in San Juan, Texas, for more than 25 years and later attended Iglesia Cristiana Uncion y Liberacion in Alamo, Texas, for 10 years.

Her faith guided her throughout her earthly journey, growing and maturing into something unshakable. Maria was a cherished wife, mother, grandmother, sister and aunt. She leaves behind a legacy of steadfast faith, heart-warming love, and treasured memories. Although she will be deeply missed, her love and influence will continue to live on through her family.

She is survived by her adoring husband of 53 years, Juan Garcia, Jr.; her daughters Judy Yvette Garcia and her husband Edgar Daniel Valencia of Pharr, Tx, Amy Molina and her husband Roberto Molina of San Juan, Tx, Erica Garcia of San Juan, Tx and Nancy Garcia of Gonzales, Tx. Her beloved grandchildren Ashley Renee Valencia, Audrey Rae Romo and her husband Roberto Romo, Allison Mae Molina and John Daniel Valencia. She is also survived by her youngest sister Betty Elizabeth Velasquez of Pharr, Tx and her dear lifelong friends Martha Sandoval and Juanita Enriquez.

She is preceded in death by her father Jose Elias Hernandez, mother Carlota Garza, step-father Albino Garza, brother Victor Velasquez, sisters Sara Valdez and Manuela Arzola. Her father in law Juan Garcia, mother in law Amada Viscaino Garcia.

Visitation will be from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. with a 7 p.m. prayer service on Monday, August 31, 2026, at Legacy Chapels 4610 South Jackson Road in Edinburg. Chapel service will be at 10 a.m. Tuesday, September 1, 2026, at Legacy Chapels 4610 South Jackson Road in Edinburg. Interment will follow at San Juan Cemetery.

Funeral services are under the direction of Legacy Chapels in Edinburg.