Maria Elena Garcia, 83, of Lowell, Indiana, passed away on Wednesday, January 21, 2026, after a long and full life devoted to family and service to others.
Maria Elena (née Manzo) was born in East Chicago, Indiana, on July 22, 1942, to Trinidad Manzo and Natividad Partida. She pursued her education with dedication and purpose, attending a private high school in Mexico before returning to Indiana to continue her studies. She earned a Bachelor’s degree in Spanish Education from Indiana University Northwest and later completed two Master’s degrees, one from Purdue University Calumet and another from Indiana University Northwest, both in Special Education.
For approximately 30 years, Maria Elena served East Chicago Public Schools as a Special Education teacher, a vocation she approached not merely as a profession but as a calling. She retired at the age of 71, yet her commitment to her students did not end with retirement. In the years that followed, she continued teaching Special Education to troubled youth in juvenile custody, offering patience, structure, and compassion to those who needed it most. Her love for her students was widely known, so much so that her children often joked she loved her students as much as, or more than, her own. Former students regularly sought her out and embraced her with gratitude whenever they met her, a testament to the lasting impact of her care and guidance. She eventually stepped away from teaching after a minor stroke, turning her focus toward rest and her health.
Maria Elena is survived by her beloved husband of 63 years, Ramiro Garcia; daughter Marisa Alonso (spouse Julio); and son Roger Garcia, PhD (spouse Carri). She was preceded in death by her son, Caesar, who passed away at the age of 36, and whom she now joins in heaven.
She also leaves behind her cherished grandchildren Nicole (spouse Benjamin), Alina (spouse Dustin), Sophia, and Ileana; and her treasured great-grandchildren Sebastian, Aurora, and Antonio.
Maria Elena will be remembered for her generosity of spirit, her unwavering devotion to family, and her lifelong commitment to educating and uplifting children who needed an advocate. She was also known for her fabulous cooking, which brought people together and made every gathering feel warm, abundant, and full of love. Her legacy lives on in the many lives she touched, at home, in the classroom, and throughout her community.
A memorial service is being planned for late March, and details will be shared with family and friends as arrangements are finalized.
For approximately 30 years, Maria Elena served East Chicago Public Schools as a Special Education teacher, a vocation she approached not merely as a profession but as a calling. She retired at the age of 71, yet her commitment to her students did not end with retirement. In the years that followed, she continued teaching Special Education to troubled youth in juvenile custody, offering patience, structure, and compassion to those who needed it most. Her love for her students was widely known, so much so that her children often joked she loved her students as much as, or more than, her own. Former students regularly sought her out and embraced her with gratitude whenever they met her, a testament to the lasting impact of her care and guidance. She eventually stepped away from teaching after a minor stroke, turning her focus toward rest and her health.
Maria Elena is survived by her beloved husband of 63 years, Ramiro Garcia; daughter Marisa Alonso (spouse Julio); and son Roger Garcia, PhD (spouse Carri). She was preceded in death by her son, Caesar, who passed away at the age of 36, and whom she now joins in heaven.
She also leaves behind her cherished grandchildren Nicole (spouse Benjamin), Alina (spouse Dustin), Sophia, and Ileana; and her treasured great-grandchildren Sebastian, Aurora, and Antonio.
Maria Elena will be remembered for her generosity of spirit, her unwavering devotion to family, and her lifelong commitment to educating and uplifting children who needed an advocate. She was also known for her fabulous cooking, which brought people together and made every gathering feel warm, abundant, and full of love. Her legacy lives on in the many lives she touched, at home, in the classroom, and throughout her community.
A memorial service is being planned for late March, and details will be shared with family and friends as arrangements are finalized.