Kathryn Rael Garcia

On the joyful day of November 25th 1919, Lecadio and Albinita Page Rael welcomed the birth of their first daughter, Mary Kathryn in Puerto de Luna, New Mexico. She was a devoted and loving daughter and elder sister to Cecilia, Justin, Margaret and Eddie. Kathryn worked to enrich the lives of her family and was a vigilant caretaker of her younger siblings. She played in integral role in supporting her family during the “Great Depression”. Gifted with great intelligence, she graduated from Albuquerque High at the early age of sixteen and continued her education in Las Cruces. Kathryn began her professional career at the Department of Public Welfare and subsequently with the Office of Land Management. Miss Rael answered the “Call to Arms” after the bombing of Pearl Harbor by enlisting in the United States Navy. She served for several years, ultimately assigned to Naval Intelligence. Upon her honorable discharge from the Navy, Kathryn was introduced to her future husband, Candido G. Garcia by family members and mutual friends. Kathryn was captivated by this talented musician and professional Flamingo dancer and married him on September 23rd, 1950. Candido later enjoyed a successful career as a gifted designer and artist. They shared 25 memorable years prior to Candido’s death in 1975. She began her career in Law as a Legal Secretary with the firm of Smith and Ransom. Kathryn continued to expand her horizons in the legal field as a Court Clerk for the United States Federal District Court. She worked with the Hon. Judge Howard Bratton for over a decade. Kathryn was a proud and loving mother of Matthew Luke and Mary Magdalen (Magda) and grandmother to Ryan Garcia and Maria Soledad Wright. She considered giving birth to and raising her children as her greatest accomplishment. Kathryn was tireless in her efforts to create special childhood memories for her children, grandchildren, and numerous nieces and nephews. She excelled in the homemaking arts as an expert hostess, baker, cook, seamstress and quilter. The aroma of freshly baked bread wafting through the house is a treasured family memory. In her later years, she joined two quilting clubs with the desire to produce beautiful quilts for family and friends. Mrs. Garcia was an avid lifelong learner, voracious reader, and engaging conversationalist, always interested in the arts, culture and current world events. Accompanied by family and friends, Kathryn enjoyed traveling to new countries and experiencing new cultures and cuisines and pursued this love throughout her life. She remained intellectually curious and actively inquisitive until the end of her life. Kathryn passed away in her sleep at the age of 91 on December 10th surrounded by her children and grandchildren. She is survived by her son, Matthew and his wife Becky and grandson Ryan, daughter, Madga Garcia- Wright and granddaughter, Maria Soledad, her brothers, Justin and wife Irene Rose, Ed Rael and wife Pauline and numerous nieces and nephews. Her beloved sisters, Cecilia Rael Gonzales and Margaret Rael Martinez passed away earlier this year. Kathryn will be remembered with a visitation beginning at 6:00 p.m. and at a Rosary at 7:00 P.M. on Wednesday, December the 15th at Daniels Family Funeral Home, 3113 Carlisle Blvd N.E. Her Catholic Mass of Chrisitan Burial will be celebrated at 9:00 a.m. on Friday, December the 17th at Our Lady of Guadalupe Church, 1860 Griegos Rd. N.W. with internment to follow at Mount Calvary Cemetery. Honorary Pallbearers include Andrew Garcia Jr., Robert Garcia, Ramon M. Gonzales, Andrew Rael, Greg Rael, Mark Rael, Paul Rael and Tom Rael. The family wishes to extend their heartfelt gratitude to the Hospice staff at Vista Care for Kathryn’s compassionate and expert care. Should family and friends desire, contributions may be made to the Little Brothers of the Good Shepherd, 218 Iron Ave. S.W.87102. Kathryn’s care has been entrusted to: Daniels Family Funeral Service 3113 Carlisle Boulevard, NE Albuquerque, NM 87110 (505) 884-1188