Luz María Garcia

October 30, 1933 – November 14, 2025

"Precious in the sight of the Lord is the death of His saints." – Psalm 116:15

With deep sorrow yet grateful hearts, we announce that Luz María Garcia, 92, of Vineland, New Jersey, went home to be with her Lord and Savior Jesus Christ on Friday, November 14, 2025, passing peacefully at home. Born on October 30, 1933, in Utuado, Puerto Rico, she was the eldest daughter of the late Ubaldo "Tito" Garcia and Lucia Arbona, and from a young age learned the values of faith, humility, and service as she worked alongside her family.

Luz faithfully pursued education, earning her Associate's degree from San Juan University before relocating to Vineland, New Jersey in 1958, with her sister Idalies to begin a new life by God's leading. She married Gabriel Cortez in 1961, and together they were blessed with three children, Gabriel Jr., Luz, and Itzamar.

A woman of diligence and perseverance, Luz worked at Crown Clothing Company sewing military uniforms, later earning her Nursing certificate, and eventually serving at RockTenn Corporation. No matter where she worked, she served with a spirit of excellence, gratitude, and trust in God's provision.

Above all, Luz lived her life for Christ. She was a devoted member of the Spanish Assembly of God Church of Vineland, where she joyfully served in the women's ministry and interceded faithfully for her family. She loved reading the Word of God, gardening as a reflection of His creation, and blessing her family with meals made from the heart. Her faith was unwavering, her prayers constant, and her home a place of warmth, forgiveness, and love.

Luz was preceded in glory by her sisters, Idalies Cortez and Noelia Galarza and her brother, Daniel Garcia. She leaves behind her brothers, Dasne and Eldin Garcia; her three children, Gabriel Cortes Jr. (Brian Hutchings), Itzamar Garcia (Salvador Garcia Jr.), and Luz E. Garcia (David Garcia); six grandchildren, Kelly Candelario (Eric Candelario), Erica Vidro (Paul Vidro), Alexander Garcia (Jillian Garcia), Kathy Burton (Joshua Burton), Rachel Garcia, and Kayla Garcia, along with nine great-grandchildren, Liam, Mia, and Emme Candelario, Ellie Garcia, Isabella, Mila, and Livia Vidro, Joshua and Dalilah Burton.

Though Luz is no longer present with us in body, she is alive with Christ in glory. Her earthly labor has ended, her faith has become sight, and her eternal reward is secured. Her legacy—rooted in prayer, faith, and love—will continue to bless generations.

"I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith." – 2 Timothy 4:7

Funeral services will be held at 11:00 AM on Thursday, November 20, 2025 from the Wainwright-Bernhardt Funeral Home 1024 E. Landis Ave. Vineland with Pastor Tomas Acevedo officiating. Luz will be laid to rest in Siloam Cemetery 550 N. Valley Ave. Vineland, NJ.

Family and friends may gather on Thursday from 9:30-11:00 AM at the funeral home, prior to her service.

Please visit www.wbfuneralhome.com to send online condolences to the family.

Memorial contributions can be made to the Alzheimer's Foundation of America (AFA).

Arrangements are by the Wainwright-Bernhardt Funeral Home, Vineland.