Olga M. Garcia

Olga Mendoza Garcia passed away on October 23, 2022 at the age 81 in Richmond, California, where she had been living with her son, daughter-in-law, and grandchildren for the past 13 years. 

Her battle with cancer in recent years showed her courage in facing challenges with fortitude and a confident peace made possible through her unwavering faith in God. She remained strong in
spirit until the end, surrounded by her family and loved ones.

Olga was born on April 25, 1941 in Los Angeles, California, where she attended Sacred Heart High School. After graduation, she entered the convent of the Dominican Sisters of Mission San Jose, where she remained for eight years, and where her spiritual strength, which served her throughout her life, was fostered. Upon leaving the convent, she attended Holy Names College in
Oakland, where she earned her undergraduate degree. She returned to Los Angeles and taught elementary school briefly before entering the University of Southern California where she earned
a master’s degree in Librarianship. 

Upon her graduation from USC, she began her career in Librarianship with the Los Angeles County Public Library System, where she remained as a dedicated librarian for more than 30 years, until her retirement in 2007, though she took a one-year sabbatical to attend the Universidad de las Américas, in Puebla, Mexico in 1972. Olga met her future husband, also a librarian, while working in the Los Angeles County Public Library System. During her long career in Librarianship, Olga instilled the love of books and reading into the hearts and minds of thousands of children, and inspired her son, Albert, to become a librarian as well. Olga also taught Sunday School for many years at the First Presbyterian Church of Hollywood, where she became a member after her marriage.

Olga loved to cook and took delight in baking holiday treats for her son, her nieces and nephews, during their childhood, and, more recently, for her grandchildren. She enjoyed taking her
grandchildren on excursions to museums, zoos, and musical events. And, of course, she loved reading to them.

Olga is survived by her son, Albert, daughter in-law, Helen, two grandchildren, Gabriel and Alex, a brother, Joe, sister, Cecelia, nieces and nephews, and her former spouse, Albert Jesse
Garcia.

Olga’s life will be remembered and celebrated in a requiem mass at Saint Mary Magdalen Church, 2005 Berryman Street, Berkeley, CA 94709, on Saturday, November 5, 2022 at 1:00 P.M. A reception will follow in the church hall.

In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to the Los Angeles County Library System, ATTN.: Andrea Carroll, Executive Director, L.A. County Library Foundation, 7400 Imperial Hwy., Downey, CA 90242.

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