Richard Garcia has shared the passing of his mother Dr. Phyllis Garcia recently passed at age 87. She was a leader in establishing CABE in its’ beginnings, and he was reminded recently of that from a conference brochure in the 80’s.

Here is a tribute from Paul Martinez, one of her contemporaries and colleagues at the “Bueno Center” at CU Boulder, and obituary: 

Amigo, lo siento mucho. I have been thinking of your beautiful madrecita, my dear friend Phyllis, since we last communicated. I am deeply saddened to learn of her passing. She touched so many lives across the country but especially here in my beloved northern NM. Very few rivaled her combination of professional expertise, compassion, energy, commitment to our profession, and mentorship. She and I traveled once in the most turbulent flight ever from Denver to Riverton, Wyoming and she clutched a rosary most of the way. When we landed, she told me; “on our way back home, we’re taking a bus.” Years later we would recall that trip and laugh. Please accept my pesame from a place very deep inside Richard. Her place in heaven was reserved a long time ago.

CO-CABE is grateful for the advocacy, and commitment that Dr. Phyllis Garcia committed to bilingual education, civil rights and higher education. Dr. Phyllis Garcia will be truly missed and remembered for the foundational work that she contributed to bilingual education. CABE in its early years would not be where we are today if not for the work of Dr. Phyllis. To uphold her legacy let us not give up the fight for our emergent bilingual students to receive their education, to receive higher education and to continue her work for bilingual education.

Dr. Phyllis Mae Garcia was born May 30, 1936, to Modesto & Genoveva Martinez. She passed away on April 10th, 2024. Her siblings include Loretta (Archie), Dick (Phyllis), Betty (Bob), Erna (Jerry), Modestito, Cathy (Donald), Gloria (Rex), and Rodney. She married Felix Garcia on January 17, 1955, and raised four children, Felix, Brian (Kimberly), Rich (Martha) and Cynthia. She has 9 grandchildren and 5 great grandchildren. Starting her educational career after the children were born, she attended Southern Colorado State College, Adams State College, and received her PhD in Education from the University of Northern Colorado. She was a college professor at UNC, the University of Colorado Boulder and Arizona State University. Recognized as a national expert in Bilingual Education Reading, she headlined dozens of conferences, received many awards and influenced thousands of students. From humble beginnings not speaking English she left a powerful and lasting legacy and was an exemplary role model for many family members to follow.

The family has requested that in lieu of flowers that a donation to CO-CABE be made in her name. Donations can be made at: CO-CABE

RICHARD D. GARCIA