Marie Lourdes Garcia, 77, of Cottontown, Tennessee, passed away peacefully in her sleep on August 19, 2026.

Marie was born on February 11, 1949, in Angústias, Horta, Faial, Azores. At just 9 years old, she immigrated with her family from the Azores to California, where she would build a beautiful life rooted in family, faith, tradition, and hard work.

Marie graduated from Santa Clara High School in Santa Clara, California, in June 1968. One of the most important chapters of her life, however, had already begun. In May 1964, she met the love of her life, Humberto R. Garcia, at the Portuguese S.E.S. Hall in Santa Clara. They married on June 22, 1968, beginning a marriage and partnership that would span 58 incredible years.

Together, Marie and Humberto welcomed three children: Lisa Marie Garcia on September 28, 1970; Sandrah Ann Garcia on April 30, 1974; and Humberto Antonio Garcia on July 7, 1977.As their children grew up playing soccer, Marie proudly served as team mom while Humberto coached. She could always be counted on to organize, help, cheer from the sidelines, and make sure everyone had what they needed. Their family also made countless memories on camping trips over the years, something Marie continued to enjoy with family and friends.

Marie truly was the glue of her family. She was the planner behind the birthdays, holidays, gatherings, and celebrations. She was the person who kept everyone connected and made things happen, and no family gathering was complete without her food. Marie was an incredible cook, and her kitchen became the backdrop for countless conversations, laughs, and memories. If Marie was cooking, you knew you were going to eat well.

Anyone who knew Marie knew that big heart came with plenty of personality. She was funny, strong-willed, a little stubborn, and never afraid to tell you exactly what she thought. She could make you laugh one minute and give you a hard time the next. She liked things done the way they were supposed to be—which, of course, usually meant her way. Her sass, quick wit, and smart remarks were simply part of what made Marie, Marie.

Her Portuguese heritage and Catholic faith were deeply important to her. She devoted countless hours to volunteer service within the Portuguese community through S.E.S. (Holy Ghost), Sociedade Filarmónica União Portuguesa de Santa Clara, St. Anthony council #1, and Our Lady of Fatima. She was especially proud to be president of St. Anthony of Santa Clara’s 100-year anniversary. These organizations allowed her to remain connected to the culture, faith, and traditions she treasured throughout her life.

Marie later retired from the Santa Clara School District and spent her retirement enjoying the life she and Humberto had built together.

Her greatest joy was watching her family grow from three children to grandchildren and great-grandchildren. She loved with her entire heart, and those fortunate enough to be loved by Marie knew it.

Marie is survived by her beloved husband of 58 years, Humberto R. Garcia; her children, Lisa Marie Garcia, Sandrah Ann Carrillo, and Humberto Antonio Garcia (Dani Garcia); her grandchildren, Ashley Nicole Borba (Justin Alan Tyler), Anthony Richard Garcia (Christina Fanaras), Ace Justin Garcia, Aurelio Cristiano Humberto Carrillo, Hailey Dawn DeNuccio (Giovanny Hinderliter) , and Scarlett Rose DeNuccio (Austin Tincher) ; and her great-grandchildren, Halle Nicole Wingard, Lilly Ann Tyler, Isabelle Rose Tyler, and Connor Alan Tyler. She is also survived by many beloved nieces, nephews, extended family members, and friends.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Maria Albina da Costa Menezes and Antonio Cabaca Menezes, and her brother, Jose Antonio Menezes, grandkids Leo Eugene & Alexander James and son in law Santana Carrillo.

For those wishing to honor Marie’s memory, organizations meaningful to her and her family include the American Heart Association, American Diabetes Association, S.E.S. Hall of Santa Clara, St. Anthony Council #1 of Santa Clara, Sociedade Filarmónica União Portuguesa de Santa Clara, Our Lady of Fatima, and St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.

Marie leaves behind 77 years of life, 58 years of marriage, generations of family, countless memories, and more love than could ever fit into an obituary.

Her seat at the table may now be empty, but the family she spent a lifetime bringing together will carry her with them always.

She was deeply loved, will be immeasurably missed, and will never be forgotten.

Services for our beloved Wife/mom/grandma/great grandma

Marie Lourdes Garcia

Thursday August 27th

Church 

Our Lady of the Lake Catholic Church.

1729 Stop Thirty Rd

Hendersonville

Rosary at 10:30

Visitation at 11:00

Mass at 11:30

Cemetery at 1pm 

Hillcrest cemetery

3141 US 31W

White House

Pallbearers serving will be Anthony Garcia, Ace Garcia, Ashley Borba, Justin Tyler, Jeremiah Holland and Austin Tincher.