Maria de Jesus Trinidad (“Chui”) Porras Garcia passed on December 20, 2013, at the age of 99 1/2.  

She is survived by seven children, twenty-six grandchildren, sixty-one great grandchildren and two great-great grandchildren.  Her children include Jennie Zamora (and husband Tommy) of Arenas Valley; Joe Garcia (and wife Lydia) of Albuquerque; Manuel Garcia (and wife Dora) of Chino, CA; Frances Beltran (and husband Salvador) of Pasco, Washington, Ernest Garcia (and wife Judy) of San Jose, CA; Roque Garcia (and wife Katie Cosper) of Las Cruces; Maria Elena Garcia (and husband Dr. Christopher Ryan) of Denver, Colorado.  She was preceded in death by her husband, Calixto; son Calixto, Jr., great grandson Raymond Estrella of Chino, CA; and great grandson Phillip Pino, of Albuquerque.

Trinidad was born in El Paso, Texas to Jose and Juana Porras on June 19, 1914.  She was the fourth of seven children.  Her mother passed away when Trinidad was only 12 years old, yet one constant in Trinidad’s life was her fond memories of her mother.  As her father was often absent from the family for extended periods because of his work on the railroad, Trinidad took it upon herself at a young age to help raise her siblings.  She always remained in close contact with her siblings; she was the last of her siblings to pass from this life. Accounts of her youth depict Trinidad as a beautiful and adventurous young woman who loved to dance.  She met her future husband, Calixto Garcia, in El Paso.  They married on November 25, 1935 and were married for 49 years until his passing in 1981.  Trinidad and Calixto moved to Santa Clara, New Mexico around the end of 1936.  Trinidad gave birth to eight children.  In addition to raising their children, Trinidad and Calixto often took care of other family members and many in the community who were in need.  She knew no strangers, and opened her heart to everyone.  Those outside of the family frequently reminded Trinidad’s children of how lucky they were to have such an incredible Mother.  Nurtured by her patient, unconditional love, her children thrived.  Some remained in New Mexico, while others moved to the states of California, Washington, and Colorado.  Her family grew, as grandchildren, and then great grandchildren were born. The larger her family grew, the bigger her love became.  Her loving nature and boundless energy were evident outside her family, as well.  Trinidad participated in many church, school and civic activities.  She and her husband Calixto built and managed the Post Office in Central (now Santa Clara), for over 35 years.  They often worked on Christmas day so that letters and packages could reach their destinations on time.  Trinidad’s devotion to God and family passed from generation to generation, as if by genetic transmission.  She would often pray the rosary or novenas to the Santa Nino to care for all her family.  Trinidad taught her family to always do what was right, no matter the effort required, to respect the unity and solidarity of the family, and to “not fight”.   Being in Trinidad’s presence one could not help but be impressed by the combination of her loving acceptance and good humor. Everyone walked away from an encounter with her feeling special.  During her last five years she made many new friends and was very outgoing at Santa Clara Assisted Care.  Even as her memory failed her, her love of everyone, selflessness, spirituality, and easy laughter defined her being in the world.  At the age of 99 1/2, with the assistance of a walker, she continued to dance.  Whenever entering or leaving her room, she always gave the bendiction to picture images of each of her children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren, lovingly displayed on the walls. Trinidad was truly an angel on earth.  On December 20, a beautiful angel left her earthly body, and is now singing and dancing with the Lord.  

The family would like to thank all who have touched her life.  The family is particularly grateful to the entire staff of Santa Clara Assisted Care for their many years of loving care and dedication; to Tina Martinez and Liz Esparza, her Eucharistic ministers; and to Home Health and Hospice staff.  

Prayer Vigil and Rosary will be Thursday, December 26 at 6pm at Terrazas Funeral Chapels with Deacon Richard Rodriguez reciting the vigil service and Carmen Terrazas the rosary.  The funeral liturgy will be celebrated Friday, December 27 at 10am at Santa Clara Catholic Church with Father Robert Becerra officiating.  Concluding service interment will follow at Fort Bayard National Cemetery.  Pall bearers will be grandsons Steven Garcia, Gerald Zamora, Manny Garcia, Matthew Beltran, Joseph Garcia, Damian Garcia, and Christopher Garcia.  Honorary pall bearers will be all of her grandchildren.  

Arrangements are with Terrazas Funeral Chapels “Trusted care for the ones you love” ~ 575-537-0777.  To send condolences, visit www.terrazasfuneralchapel.com.