Amalia Garcia
February 22, 1937 - June 8, 2022

Amalia Garcia was born Amalia Erives on February 22, 1937, in Chihuahua Mexico to Raul Erives and Cruz Calsadillas, the fourth of seven children. She was raised Catholic and accepted Jesus Christ as her Savior. She married Rafael Ortiz in 1956 and from this union five children (Maria, Jesse, Josie, Cathy and Anna) were born. Rafael and Amalia raised their children in the Catholic faith as well.
Amalia arrived in the United States in 1958. She and her husband, Rafael resided in the State of Texas for a period of four years. In 1962, they migrated with their four children to a small town of Firebaugh, in the Central Valley. Amalia would call this place "Home" for her remaining 60 years. They later would have their fifth and last child in 1966.
As with many migrants in the past, Amalia worked in the fields chopping cotton and working on the tomato machines all the while taking care of her family. In 1975, the marriage between Rafael and Amalia dissolved. Amalia was then forced to raise her children on her own. And she did this very successfully. Being the sole provider for her family, she took employment in the restaurant industry as well as selling Avon to supplement the family's income. In her later years, Amalia would work with the Fresno County In-Home Supportive Services, caring for the elderly. Amalia would finally retire in the year 2000.
Amalia enjoyed being with her family, tending to her rose gardens, music and dancing. Her favorite pastime was gathering in her home with her children, grandchildren and great grandchildren. The second favorite was getting together with her girlfriends to go dancing on the weekends this of course in her younger years.
Amalia was dealt a tragic heartache when her daughter Maria the eldest of the 5 children was murdered in 1983. She had to do what no parent ever imagines doing, which was burying her child. Even through this trial and tribulation, Amalia kept her strong faith with God to continue on with her own life. She loved to pray daily to our Father in Heaven.
Joy would enter Amalia's life in February of 2003 when she married Richard Garcia. Their marriage lasted until January of 2013, due to Richard's death. Once again hit with another tragedy Amalia continued her strong faith with God. Her health began to deteriorate soon thereafter with many hospital visits/stays. Approximately 3 years ago Amalia became bedridden and needed round the clock care. This still did not deter Amalia's faith and love for her family. Her children made it possible to keep her in her own home comfortably with four of the best caregivers any person could ask for. Amalia loved her caregivers, two specifically as her own daughters, Lourdes Herrera and Adriana Armendariz.
Amalia is survived by her children Jesse Ortiz, Lemoore, CA, Josie Ortiz, Fresno, CA, Cathy Suarez, Fresno, CA and Anna Russell, Elk Grove, CA, Eight grandchildren, Eleven great grandchildren, Two siblings, Raul Erives, Aurora, CO and Irma Erives de Quezada, Chihuahua, MX and a host of nephews, nieces and friends.
Amalia will be greatly missed; she had a positive impact on many during her time on this earth.

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