Celestine "Shorty" Garcia

Celestine “Shorty” Garcia, age 82, of Topeka, KS, passed away with her family by her side on Friday, July 21, 2023, at Midland Hospice House.

She was born the daughter of John G. and Mary “Nettie” (del Hierro) Serna on May 19, 1941.

Celestine graduated from Hayden High School in 1959. After high school, she started her 43-year long career with the Kansas Department of Health and Environment. She retired in 2002 as a Clerk III.

On May 9, 1964, she married Diego Garcia at Our Lady of Guadalupe Catholic Church. Together, they shared 59 years of marriage. Celestine was an active and devoted member of Our Lady of Guadalupe Catholic Church. She was an active member of LULAC Council 11071, Altar Society, St. Augustine Guild, Adoration Chapel, Liturgy Committee, singing in the church choir and volunteered for the Fiesta. Celestine also enjoyed being a CCD class aide. In her spare time, she enjoyed reading, ceramics, playing Solitaire on her computer, being active with jazzercise and dancing with the group, “Bailes Mestizos.” Celestine loved watching sports on TV, especially Notre Dame football, KC Chiefs, KU football and basketball. Her faith, church, family, and education were of the upmost importance to her.

Survivors include her beloved husband, Diego Garcia; daughter, Michele Perez (Edward); son, Michael Garcia; daughter, Kelly Garcia; son, Diego Marc Garcia (Rachel Ferrer); four grandchildren, Jordan, Felicia, Vanessa, Esteban Garcia; one great-granddaughter, Elise Ruiz-Islas. Other survivors include her sister, Josephine Arredondo (Daniel); sister-in-law, Frankie Jo Serna; sister-in-law, Adeline Charay (Robert); brother-in-law, Jesus G. Ramirez; as well as a loving extended family that includes many nieces, nephews, and cousins.

She was preceded in death by her parents; brother, Daniel Serna; sisters, Rose Marie Ramirez and Eva Ramirez

Celestine will lie in state from 4:00 P.M. to 7:00 P.M., at Brennan-Mathena Funeral Home on Thursday, July 27, 2023.  A combined Altar Society and St. Augustine Guild rosary will be recited at 6:00 P.M., at the funeral home.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10:00 A.M., on Friday, July 28, 2023, at Our Lady of Guadalupe Catholic Church. Burial will follow at Mt. Calvary Cemetery-Topeka.

Memorial contributions can be made to Our Lady of Guadalupe Catholic Church. Contributions can be mailed or left with the funeral home.

To share a memory or to leave condolences, please visit, www.brennanmathenafh.com.       

Arrangements entrusted to Brennan-Mathena Funeral Home, 800 SW 6^th Ave., Topeka, KS 66603.