Gertrudis " Tula" Garcia Flores' Obituary
Thank you for your expressions of love and sympathy upon the passing to glory of Gertrudis “Tula” Garcia Flores. Her death deeply saddens us, but we are boundlessly comforted knowing that God has her now in His peaceful embrace, and hers is an eternal rich reward for a well-lived life. Her voice, laughter, and, yes, admonishments will forever remain in our hearts, for she was a bearer of truth always to each of us. No husband could be blessed with a more loyal wife, no sons or daughter with a more devoted mother, and to each and all, she was a constant, trusted friend. Above all, she was our spiritual soul guide and the conscience of our family, who reflected through her actions her infinite faith and profound relationship with her Creator and God through Jesus Christ.
Born in Cotulla, Texas, Tula was the second oldest of five sisters and two brothers. Her mother died when she was only six years old. Her happy childhood was quickly replaced with the duties of siblings raising each other under the care of a grandmother and aunt. She was one of two sisters who went away to boarding school in Laredo, Texas at Ursuline Academy. In time, they wanted to continue their education, so they persuasively offered the idea to their father, Armando. Teresa told her father that an education was the only acceptable option instead of joining the military if he refused. He, understandably, agreed. So the oldest matriculated to Texas Women’s University in Denton, Texas. Tula started the very next year, and the others followed their big sisters’ path.
At about this same time, Tula’s husband-to-be, Hector, entered her life. Hector remembers in detail that they met at a Church Festival at the Vergara Ranch in Dilley, Texas and whimsically describes dancing with her and picking her out among many other young Beauties. Hector liked the twinkle in her eye and her great beauty. Both were smitten from that moment on. Over the ensuing six years, Hector and Tula remained in close touch through letters of hope and promise between them. Little did they realize that God had already blessed them to become each other’s soulmates for life. They married on August 22, 1965 at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Cotulla, Texas for a journey together that would span nearly 57 years. Inseparable would be an understatement because their bond was enduring even when the distance between them was great. They supported each other's personal and professional goals as they shared all that life threw at them and remained steadfast in their marriage. They never stopped dancing, and their song continued until their final earthly parting with the assured promise to be together again one day.
Tula was blessed to be the life-giver of Homer, Omar, and Sara, whom she and Hector raised to be responsible, God-loving, productive individuals with a deep belief in selfless service to others. "She was fearless, and nothing or no one would deter her," says Omar. "It didn't matter if she had to go it alone if need be. She was going to accomplish what she had to." Homer reflects on his mother's faith and calls this devotion her strongest personal trait, which will remain with him forever. "My mom lived her faith daily in quiet ways through her actions, the community service she did, and always trying to help someone else. Jesus told his followers that they will know you by your love for each other. She exemplified that, and I am proud of the values, principles, and beliefs she lovingly instilled in me.”
Tula recognized that each of her children was different, and she held them to a higher standard in different ways. "My mom was tough because she wanted to prepare me for what life would bring,"
says Sara, the youngest of three children, Tula's only daughter. "I am the woman I am today because of what I learned from observing my mother. She showed me how to confront challenges, and yes, even disappointments, but always with the resilience to come back stronger. I think of her, raising a family, working, and attending school to get her master's degree, such a huge amount of responsibilities. That dedication inspired me to reach out and achieve all I could. I am the product of a warrior, but also a woman who mentored so many others and showed them who they could become. Often, people come up to me and say, your mom is why I am teaching, and I smile. Yes, that's my mom!"
Tula’s spirit of a pioneer, a trailblazer, and a faithful partner enabled her to move to Dallas, Texas, with her husband, where they devoted their lives to furthering educational opportunities for their communities, the historically under-served. Her career with the Dallas Independent School District enabled her to touch tens of thousands of lives in her capacity with the bilingual education program. “It’s easy to be brave when you are among the people you know,” says Hector. “Yet, Tula served as an agent of change in a city where there were so few Hispanics at the time, and she was out there teaching principals about bilingual education and rocking the very pillars of long-held views, never doubting she could do it. Yes, my Cotulla better-half showed them what a girl from South Texas could do when she set her mind to it.”
Following her retirement, Tula turned her attention to doting on her family, especially her seven grandchildren and one great-grandchild, each, and all of whom she adored and thoroughly enjoyed. As she had with her children, Grandma Tula always shared a thought about God with the little ones, confident that while they might not understand all her words, they would remember the importance of knowing God exists and He is with us always if we remember Him.
Yes, throughout her journey on this Earth, Tula was surrounded by love because of how she attentively acknowledged every person she met. So many people have reached out as she bravely confronted and overcame, for a while longer, the illness that could not lay claim to her spirit or steal her joy over those most important to her. Above all, Tula would want you to join in the celebration of life and to do so filled with purpose and gratitude that we can each do something for each other because of God's spirit through us. Hers, flowed like a river, and we are blessed to see the lives she helped flourish.
Thank you, God, for loaning us this angel, and know that we trust in you to care for her eternally. And Tulita, ay nos vemos pronto, we shall see each other soon. Descansa en paz!Gertrudis Garcia Flores, age 80, passed away on Saturday, July 23, 2022, in Dallas, Texas. She was born to Mr. Armando Garcia and Ms. Trinidad Garcia on November 21, 1941, in Cotulla, Texas. Gertrudis leaves her loved ones with unforgettable memories and loving stories. She will be sincerely missed by her loving family, devoted friends, and all the wonderful individuals who knew and loved her.
A Rosary for Gertrudis Garcia Flores will be Thursday, July 28, 2022 from 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM at Restland Funeral Home. A Service will be Friday, July 29, 2022 at 1:00 PM at Holy Spirit Catholic Church 1111 W Danieldale Rd, Duncanville, TX 75137
In Lieu of Flowers, please consider memorializing Tula by donating to one of the following charities.
St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital
https://www.stjude.org/donate/donate-to-st-jude.html?frequency_selected=2&sc_icid=mem-lp-donate-bttn-top
Discalced Carmelite Nuns of Arlington, Texas
http://www.carmelnuns.com/
Holy Spirit Catholic Church
https://secure.acceptiva.com/?cst=68c95a
Texas Woman’s University
https://giving.twu.edu/
Funeral arrangements for Gertrudis Garcia Flores have been faithfully entrusted to Restland Funeral Home and Cemetery, which is located at 13005 Greenville Ave., at the intersection of Restland Road, Dallas, Texas 75243, and can be reached at (972) 238-7111.
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