Marilyn Ann Garcia

April 14, 1935 - March 15, 2020

After a long illness, Marilyn Ann Garcia passed away March 15, 2020 at Hoffman Hospice Home with her loving daughters by her side. Marilyn was the oldest of 5 children born in Arkansas on April 14, 1935 to John and Ila Marie Birge. Mom loved Arkansas and telling stories of living there, the freedom of the outdoors and the Hairy Scratch. Later at the age of 9 she and her family headed west and settled in Bakersfield. Mom attended Bakersfield High School graduating in 1953. While swimming in the Kern River with friends, she met the man she would marry, our father, Roy Garcia. She always told me how she fell in love with dad the first time they met. Roy and Marilyn married in 1956 and later welcomed two beautiful daughters Shannon and Susan. Marilyn loved art, crafts, gardening, volunteering and her family. She was always our biggest supporter. She taught us about life and being strong independent women and that there was nothing we couldn’t accomplish if we set our mind to it. Mom loved us unconditionally. For many years she was a member of the Highland Elementary School PTA and a member of the Women’s Guild at Olive Drive Hospital. She was also a member of Pigeon Hill Antiques and Collectibles on “H” street for many years. She loved her time at Pigeon Hill and made many life long friends. In 2015 Marilyn contracted Pulmonary Mucormycosis an often fatal disease. Unfortunately not only did the fungus damage her body but the medications to fight the disease did also. Her doctor called her a miracle and we called her “an ol crocodile”. After many admissions to the hospital, Marilyns body just wasn’t strong enough to fight any longer and only hours after being admitted to Hoffman Hospice Home, Marilyn passed away on March 15, 2020. Marilyn is preceded in death by her husband Roy, parents, 2 brothers, 1 sister and niece. She is survived by her daughter Shannon and husband Randy, daughter Susan and partner Kevin, sister Adell Harris, Pup Kasey, Chickens Daphne and Daisy, numerous nieces and nephews.Thank you Dolly, mom always enjoyed having breakfast with you and Susan at Spencer’s. Jellie and sons, you were the best neighbors ever. Gilbert and drivers, thank you from the bottom of our heart for your support, friendship and transporting our mother to her appointments as if she were your own. She truly loved each of you and you have all become family.