Idolina Garcia

Lina Garcia, 76, of San Benito, Texas, entered eternal rest on December 30, 2025. She was born on December 29, 1949, in San Benito, Texas, and passed away peacefully in Harlingen.

Lina was preceded in death by her parents, Emma Hernandez Garcia and Eloy Garcia, and her brother Eloy Garcia Jr. She is survived by her loving sister Sylvia “Chivi” Garcia; her cherished niece Cristina Garcia; her nephew Marcus Garcia; her sister-in-law Rosalinda Garcia; and numerous beloved cousins and extended family members who meant the world to her.

Lina was a proud graduate of Texas A&I University in Kingsville, where she earned her Bachelor’s degree and later obtained her Master of Arts degree. She devoted more than 34 years of service to San Benito CISD, a career she deeply loved before retiring. Throughout her distinguished career, Lina worked at several schools, including Fred Booth Elementary, Frank Roberts Elementary School, La Encantada Elementary School, Dr. Cash Elementary School, Angela Leal Elementary School, and Miller Jordan Middle School. She served as a teacher, was promoted to lead teacher, and later became a reading interventionist, always advocating for and uplifting her students as if they were her own children.

Lina grew up attending St. Theresa Catholic Church in San Benito and later became a parishioner of St. Anthony Catholic Church in Harlingen. She was an active member of the San Benito Lions Club and served as a board member for Cameron-Willacy Counties Community Projects, Inc, continuing her lifelong mission of service to others.

Above all, Lina treasured her family. She spent her life alongside her favorite sister, Sylvia, her favorite niece Cristina, and her favorite nephew Marcus (a running family joke—since they were her only ones). She was known for her thoughtful surprises, her joy in celebrating others’ birthdays, and her ability to make everyone feel special and seen. Lina fondly reminisced about growing up on Diana Street, surrounded by siblings, Valenzuela cousins, neighbors, and the many happy memories she lovingly called “the good ol’ days.”

Lina will be remembered for her giving spirit, generosity, constant joy, wonderful sense of humor, and deep care for others. Her legacy lives on through the countless students she taught, the lives she touched, and the love she shared so freely.

A rosary and Mass will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Friday, January 2, at St. Theresa Catholic Church in San Benito, followed by a procession to Mont Meta Memorial Park, where Lina will be laid to rest.

Pallbearers will be Amadeo Valenzuela Jr., Raul Gomez Jr., Robert Corkill, Robert Salinas, Tivo Gonzalez III, Raul Gomez III, and Randy Gomez.

Honorary Pallbearers include Manuel Garcia, Bobby Corkill, Steven Corkill, and Nick Valenzuela.

Lina’s family is deeply grateful for the love, prayers, and support during this time.