Frances Marquez Garcia

October 4, 1933 ~ June 11, 2023

Frances passed away peacefully at home, surrounded by her loving family, after a courageous two-year battle with cancer. She was preceded in death by her late husband Carlos, with whom she shared 45 wonderful years, and her daughter Monica. Frances is survived by her five daughters: Adeline Garcia-Armstrong (Scott), Theresa Campos, Consuelo Fuentes (Alex), Cecelia Galvan (Richard), and Carla Bernard (Andrew). She also leaves behind a legacy of 14 grandchildren, 24 great-grandchildren, and 2 great-great-grandchildren.

Frances was born and raised in Phoenix, Arizona, where she attended Lowell Elementary and Phoenix Union High School. She furthered her education at Arizona State University and completed her Associates degree at Mesa Community College.

Known for her exceptional singing voice, Frances enthusiastically participated in numerous talent contests and regularly performed on a local Spanish radio program hosted by Carlos Montano. She delighted audiences with her captivating performances at local fiestas and dances held at the Riverside Ballroom.

In 1952, Frances married the love of her life, Carlos Garcia (deceased), and she resided in Tempe for over 66 years. While primarily a dedicated wife and homemaker, she also devoted over 15 years of her life as a teacher’s aide in the Tempe Elementary School District. Frances was a faithful parishioner of Our Lady of Mt. Carmel church in Tempe, actively involved in the Ladies Sodality, Our Lady of Guadalupe Prayer/Rosary group, and weekly volunteering at the Salvation Army food pantry at OLMC. In her leisure time, she had an insatiable love for reading, immersing herself in countless books. One of her cherished traditions was her annual tamale making during the Christmas season. Additionally, she took great joy in attending her grandchildren and great-grandchildren’s various sporting events, proudly cheering them on as their biggest fan.

Frances possessed a warm and kind soul, becoming a beloved fixture within her church community. Her infectious smile was a constant presence, and her compassionate heart embraced all those she knew or met. She will be deeply missed by everyone who had the privilege of knowing and loving her.

Visitation will be held on Thursday, June 22, 2023, from 6:00 pm to 8:00 pm at Whitney & Murphy Funeral Home, located at 4800 E. Indian School Rd. in Phoenix. A Rosary will be prayed on Friday, June 23, 2023, at 9:30 am, followed by Mass at 10:00 am at Our Lady of Mount Carmel Church, situated at 2121 S. Rural Rd., Tempe. Interment will take place at Saint Francis Cemetery, located at 2033 N. 48th St., with a reception following at American Legion Post #2, 2125 S Industrial Park Ave, Tempe.