Isabel “La Confita” Garcia, 93, of Hayward, California, formerly Macotera, Salamanca, passed away on Wednesday, March 20th, 2024 after a long and fulfilling life surrounded by loved ones. She will be greatly missed.
Isabel was born on November 12th, 1930 to Cristobal Garcia Zaballos and Encarnacion Garcia Cosmes in Macotera, Spain. She had three sisters and five brothers.
Isabel’s husband, Baltasar, of 68 years passed away on March 20th 2023, in a final showing of love for her family and husband, Isabel passed exactly one year later on March 20th 2024.
At the young age of 10 Isabel was pulled out of school indefinitely to take care of her baby sister, “Encarnita”, a decision which she welcomed and appreciated for the rest of her life. Isabel’s siblings viewed her as a mother-hen. Isabel’s kindness can be shown through her selfless acts like giving her brand new dress to Encarnita on Easter Sunday so she would shine in front of her peers. She would always make sure her brothers Antoñito and Julian had their clothes ironed to perfection.
Isabel met her husband Baltasar when they were neighbors as children in Macotera, Spain. They fell for each other after dancing together in the Plaza. They were connected by their passion for dancing. In 1954 they decided to tie the knot. They had three children, Alfonso, Cristobal, Mili.
Throughout her life Isabel held many different occupations. She briefly worked with Baltasar in a luxurious hotel in London. They moved to the USA in 1971 with their children Alfonso and Mili. While living in the states Isabel worked for Atari, Libby’s Cannery, Hunt’s Cannery. She entered retirement after 25 years of work at Children’s Choice Educare where she served as the on-site cook, this was her favorite job because she got to do what she really loved which was being around children.
Isabel was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s in 2012. Her daughter Mili devoted her life to Isabel and to understanding Alzheimer’s. Mili’s tireless efforts, compassion and undying love for her mother were witnessed by all, she was an angel sent from heaven. Isabel was also cared for by Vilma Baires for 9 years, she was dependable working for and quickly becoming a part of the family. Isabel was also cared for her by her son-in-law Greg, namely feeding her dinners, and two of her loving grandchildren, James and Elizabeth. They all cherish the time spent with Isabel and will miss it forever.
In 2019 Isabel’s son Alfonso passed away from a battle with cancer, this was devastating for the family but in a sense the Alzheimer’s may have been a blessing at this time because Isabel was not aware of losing her loving son; she was also predeceased by her husband Baltasar Blazquez, her son Cristobal who died at 5 months, her father Cristobal, her mother Encarnacion, her brothers Cristobal, Gabriel, Diego, Julian and her sister Antonia. Isabel is survived by her daughter Mili Blazquez, her grandchildren James Martinez, Eric Blazquez, Elizabeth Olachea, great-grandchildren, Isabella Blazquez and Jackson Blazquez, and her siblings, Antonio, Ana Maria, Encarna.
Isabel’s family and friends knew her to be a kind and joyous soul, always full of laughter, always smiling, very generous. She enjoyed dancing and singing. Isabel was a skilled seamstress despite having no professional training. She was always sharply dressed. She loved watching novellas and wrestling, her favorite wrestler was John Cena. Isabel and Baltasar enjoyed dancing, even at an elder age they were known to dance together while alone at home. To this day people will also mention what a great singer Isabel was. She was a delightful person and gave her full heart to those she loved.
