Margarita Josefita Garcia was born on October 1, 1933 in Alameda,NM to Joe M. Garcia and Manuelita Martinez. When she was 6 months old the family moved to San Ysidro,NM where Margie and her siblings grew up on a subsistence farm raising most of their own food during the depression and World War II. Margie attended high school at the historic Loretto Academy in Santa Fe.

 She married her husband Mike Garcia in 1951 and they settled in the north valley in Albuquerque. Margie worked at Pfaff sewing machine company learning to service and repair sewing machines and becoming an accomplished seamstress. She later worked at Sears downtown in the sewing department. She also worked at the University of Albuquerque and then at Albuquerque Academy performing various office management and accounting functions.

 Margie was a talented seamstress and quilt maker. she made clothing for herself and her children and other family members. She was great cook and baker, excelling at traditional New Mexican food and always trying new and interesting recipes. She also canned and preserved home grown fruits and vegetables providing enough for the family and friends.

She worked alongside her husband Mike on the family ranch helping to maintain the land and cattle.

Margie and Mike ensured that their children were involved in various activities, music lessons and sports. The family often went on camping trips and traveled around the state visiting state parks, historic sites and national parks and monuments. Margie and Mike enjoyed several trips around the country and in Spain, Portugal and Italy. Margie was famous for hosting large family gatherings on holidays and special occasions.

Margie was also an avid collector of art works, especially southwestern paintings, prints, textiles and a large collection of Pueblo pottery.

Margie was preceded in death by her husband Mike, her parents Joe and Manuelita, beloved granddaughter Celina, and sister Virginia Trujillo.

She is survived by her children, Michael and wife Theresa, Dolores and husband Ted Trujillo, Lorraine and husband Mark Groves, Michelle Garcia-Dunn. Grandchildren, Gabriel Garcia and wife Yvonne, Roman Garcia and Genell, Jeffrey Ortiz, Nathan Ortiz, Alex Ortiz, Alegra Dunn and Josiah, Felice Dunn, Owen Dunn. Great Grandchildren Olivia, Santiago, Julian and Sierra, Vanessa, Aubrey and Madyson. Great-great grandson Joaquin. She is also survived by her siblings, Rosalie Roibal, Miguel Garcia, Alice Stanlake and Annie Jolin.

Margie was a true Matriarch, and a powerful force in all of our lives She was a role model and friend, she provided the strength discipline and love that held the family together. She will be greatly missed by all of us.