Esther Garcia (née Anguiano), age 86, passed away on Saturday, July 27, 2024. She is survived by her husband of 66 years, Raymundo A. Garcia; her children Maria Carolina Tomasula of South Bend, IN, Ray Garcia of Hammond, IN, and Lilia Garcia-Belka of St. Anne, IL; her sons in-law Timothy Belka and Steven Tomasula; her grandchildren Alba Augustine Tomasula y Garcia, Abigail Garcia Belka, Madeline Garcia Belka, and Harrison Garcia Belka; her brother George Anguiano; and her many cousins, nieces and nephews.

After graduating from Washington High School in East Chicago in 1956, and attending Hammond College, she married Raymundo Garcia.  She worked happily at NIPSCO from 1969-1974, making many friends among her colleagues there. Together with her husband, they opened a restaurant, El Taco Real, in Hammond in 1974 which successfully operates to this day. She and Raymundo were involved in charities and local organizations such as the Lions' Club, where they helped distribute glasses to those in need in Mexico. They were instrumental in starting the Latin American Society of Hammond.  She was a cheerful, vibrant presence who enjoyed music, dancing with her husband, and hosting parties with the large group of close friends she and Raymundo cultivated. She will be missed by her loving relatives and many friends.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be given in Esther's name to Hospice of the Calumet Area at www.hospicecalumet.org

A Visitation will be held on Sunday, August 4, 2:00pm - 6:00pm, at Solan Pruzin Funeral Home on Kennedy Avenue in Schererville. A Funeral Service will take place on Monday, August 5 at 11AM at the funeral home. Burial to follow at Elmwood Cemetery.