Hilda Minerva Garcia

Hilda M. Garcia, 74, of West Des Moines, IA, passed away on November 22, 2024. A private celebration of her life will be held at a later date in California.

Born on April 29, 1950, in Laredo, TX, Hilda was the eldest of five children born to Joseph and Barbara (DeHerrera) Garcia. From a young age she embraced her nurturing role, though her strong-willed and determined nature made her a natural leader within her family. Hilda’s childhood was marked by frequent moves due to her father’s job. First to Walnut Creek, California, where she lived until her mid-teens. Hilda would then move to West Des Moines where she would go on to graduate from Valley High School in 1968.

Hilda pursued higher education at Truman State University, where she formed some of the friendships she would cherish for a lifetime. It was there she earned her master’s degree in education, which she later used to dedicate herself to teaching special education in Missouri. Known for her patience, compassion and innate understanding of others, Hilda viewed her work not as a challenge, but as a calling she genuinely loved.

In the late 1990s, Hilda returned to West Des Moines to care for her mother, who later passed away from leukemia. She continued to serve the local school community as a substitute teacher until 2010, all while providing ongoing care for her elderly father. Despite the distance, she remained deeply connected with her family on both the western and gulf coasts. Every week, she would consistently reach out to check on her loved ones.

Hilda’s passions extended beyond the classroom. She loved solving jigsaw puzzles, tending to her garden and collecting sand dollars along the beaches of California—a pastime that brought her joy and tranquility. But above all, it was her devotion to teaching and the people she loved that defined her life.

Hilda will be fondly remembered for her warmth, her devotion to others and the lasting impact she had on the lives of those fortunate enough to know her.

She is survived by her daughter, Hannah Garcia; sisters, Henrietta (Paul) Pocius, Hazel and Heidi Garcia as well as numerous nieces, nephews, cousins and close friends. She was preceded in death by her parents and her brother, Howard Croweagle.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Suncrest Cares Foundation (https://www.suncrestcare.com/suncrestcares-foundation/) to support those in need of the same care Hilda received in her last days.