Obituary of Rachael DeLaRosa Garcia

Eastover - Rachel D. Garcia, 75, of Eastover, was received by her Lord Jesus Christ on Thursday, November 20, 2014. Rachel D. Garcia was born on February 15, 1939 in San Pedro, California to the late Arthur Chavez De La Rosa and Helen Najera De La Rosa. Rachel was an outgoing and friendly soul. She took great care of her children and grandchildren. A tremendous cook, Rachel was known for her Mexican cuisine. Her dining room table was always full and open to anyone and everyone. She had many friends within South Carolina crafters, where she showcased her talents in painting, sewing and sculpting dolls all over North and South Carolina. Rachel was always challenging herself. She attended night school and earned her high school diploma at the age of 53. She loved reading with a good cup of coffee. She was a big fan of Agatha Christie and she always knew who committed the crime before the end of the book. Miss Marple and Hercule Poirot are the best detectives and her all-time favorites. She also enjoyed being at the coast with the ocean breeze in her hair and her toes in the sand, it was her home away from home. She had always dreamed of moving to Mexico and living on the beach, she was an island girl at heart. Rachel was most proud of her family, and she had devotion and unconditional love for all of them. She always made time for each and every one of them while raising her family with grace, care and compassion. She taught arts and crafts in summer classes on post in Orlando, Florida. She was a Brownie, Girl Scout and Cub Scout leader and she was the best cheerleader through all sports events. Her talent was endless. She will be missed by family and friends. Rachel supported and loved her church family, and even when the time came when her illness overtook her capability to attend, she still remained a devoted prayer warrior. Ms. Garcia is survived by her longtime companion, Eli; daughters, Cathrine G. Parsons (Gary) of Columbia, SC and Christina G. Ruiz (Bunky) of Columbia, SC; sister, Rebecca Brown (Eddie) of Columbia, SC; brother, Mario R. Gregio (Mitch) of Raleigh, NC; grandchildren, Seth R. Garcia, Amy Brant, Derek Ruiz, Lauren Ruiz and Joshua G. Parsons. She is also survived by 10 great-grandchildren and many other loving family members. In addition to her parents, she was predeceased by her devoted husband of 37 years, Raul T. Garcia; and her son, Raul Garcia, Jr. The family will be having a private memorial at a later date. Thompson Funeral Home at Greenlawn Memorial Park, 845 Leesburg Road, Columbia, SC 29209 is assisting the family. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Trinity Assembly of God, 1501 Hallbrook Drive Columbia, SC 29169 or to Regency Hospice of Columbia, 140 Stoneridge Drive, Suite 130 Columbia, SC 29210. The family would like to thank Amanda from NHC Homecare for the compassion she has given to Rachel for the last year and a special thanks to Kia and Mimi of Regency Hospice for the great care they provided.