Arleen Evelyn Garcia

Arleen Evelyn Garcia died on March 19th, 2024 at 11:01 P.M., but that’s only one part of her story, and it's not even truly the end.  We will see her again, and that hope is what we’re holding onto.

Arleen was born in Albuquerque, NM to Ulysses and Felipita Garcia.  She was the second of five children, four sisters, and one brother.  She grew up in a loving home that helped shape her into the generous and loving woman she became. If you came into her orbit, you would be welcomed with open arms, fed if you were hungry, and offered a listening ear that accepted you with kindness.  She was a Mother to seven children, a loving wife, and a faithful friend.  She returned to college to get her teaching certification and became a Kindergarten teacher bringing many more kids for her to love.  Working near an Air Force base often meant teaching and comforting them while their parents were deployed, and she always made sure there were extra hugs along with the “reading and writing and arithmetic”.

Eight years ago she was diagnosed with breast cancer.  Arleen then decided to retire, so she could fully face this new battle as she had so many other trials in her life, with loving determination and quiet strength.  She went through many forms of treatment, chemo, radiation, and surgeries, everything the doctors could think of to defeat the monster inside.  She handled them all with grace and determination, while living life to the fullest, spending time with friends, taking fun trips, and perhaps most importantly, loving on her grandkids.

Arleen lived out her days until the end, surrounded by her loving family and faithful friends.  Her light and warmth were so bright that everyone who met her came away more hopeful and alive.  Yet no matter how much light she shared with others, her own lantern rarely seemed to dim.  Even though she’s not here in body, her loving spirit will continue to burn on in those who knew her.  And when we share that kind strength with those around us, her glow will never fade.

Arleen was preceded in death by her son Jesse Nowlin, her father Ulysses Garcia, her brother Lloyd Garcia, and her mother Pita Garcia. She is survived by her children, Nigel, Joel, Evelyn, Bennette, Esther, and Walter, and her sisters, Rosalie, Elizabeth, and Elaine.

The Celebration of Life for Arleen will be held on April the 6th, 2024 at 10 a.m. at the Christian Life Center, 2352 East Highway 193 Layton, Utah 84040

Please RSVP to: Arleen's Celebration of Life