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Celia V. Garcia, 73, a long-time resident of La Conner, died peacefully while surrounded by her loving family on Wednesday, December 10.

Celia was born in Acambaro, Guanajuato, Mexico on March 26, 1941 to Eron and Antonia Viscalla. Her family moved to Texas when she was a young girl, where she attended school. In 1955, the family moved to the Skagit Valley, where Celia attended grade school in La Conner. She met Jaime at the young ages of 14 and 15 and knew they were right for each other. They were married in 1957, made a home in La Conner, and together they welcomed and raised five children.

In her early years of motherhood, she worked for Hulbert Farms. While working in the fields, a co-worker asked Celia why she was doing fieldwork when she could be doing so much better for herself and her children. This was all the encouragement she needed. Celia became a licensed practical nurse in 1971. She returned to school and became a registered nurse in 1982. She was a dedicated and compassionate nurse at Skagit Valley Hospital for 35 years, working in the intensive care unit and in day surgery, retiring in 2006. In 2010, Celia was inducted into the Skagit Valley College Hall of Fame.

Celia enjoyed gardening, especially roses. She hosted large family gatherings, the annual barbecue in August and also over the holidays. If you never tasted Celia’s molé, you missed out on the best. Celia’s free time was being a full-time grandmother, but mostly she enjoyed nurturing and caring for her family.

Babies brought her joy. She was excited about welcoming a new great-granddaughter in April. The camping trip adventures never started until the motorhome was full of grandchildren, and even their friends were welcome. Celia always enjoyed the slot machines, and when she needed a distraction, sitting in front of “Miss Kitty” could always put a smile on her face. She often came home a winner!

Celia is survived by two brothers, Joe Viscalla (Shirley) and Robert Vizcaya (Eva); her loving husband of 57 years Jaime Garcia; daughters Becky Swanson (Dean), Carolina Vega (Froylan), Isabel Garcia; and son Tony Garcia (Annie).

Grandma Celia leaves behind 11 grandchildren: Nicole Garcia-Swanson, Leslie Swanson Zimmerman, Dustin Swanson (Jennifer), Joel Vega (Holly), Adrian Vega, David Vega (Melissa), Monica Vega (James), Froylan Vega (Jackie), Morgan Barragan (Joey), Courtney Garcia, and Hunter Garcia. She also leaves behind her 12 great-grandchildren: Junaper and Teagan Swanson, Kenai, Hadden and Aisley Zimmerman, Kennedy, Baker, and Stella Vega, Wyatt and Greyson Vega, Joseph Barragan, Isaiah Garcia and his sister expected in April. She is also survived by a close cousin, Lupe Guzman, numerous nieces and nephews and “adopted” daughters, Meg Almanza and Maranda Mennenga.

Celia is preceded in death by her parents, Eron and Antonia; her son David Garcia; a sister Lupe Pedroza; two brothers, Eliseo Viscalla and Rogelio Vizcaya; nephew John Vizcaya; and her mother-in-law Juanita Perez.

Prayer services were scheduled for Tuesday, Dec. 16, at Kern Funeral Home. A funeral mass will be held at 10 a.m. today, Wednesday, Dec. 17, at Immaculate Conception Catholic Church followed by a committal service at Pleasant Ridge Cemetery. A reception will then be held at the Saint Joseph Parish Center.

Memorial donations can be made to the American Cancer Society, 728 134th Street #101, Everett, WA 98204.

Arrangements are under the care of Kern Funeral Home. You may offer your condolences to Celia’s family and share your memories of her online at http://www.kernfuneralhome.com.