Published: 09-22-08
Widow of late Dr. Hector P. Garcia Founder of the American GI Forum
Wanda Fusillo Garcia passed away Saturday September 20 2008 in San Antonio Texas after a brief illness. She was born on November 15 1919 in Caserta Italy the daughter of Aida Botacchi Fusillo and Angelo Fusillo. She grew up in Naples Italy and studied at The University of Naples where she received a Doctorate in Classical Literature from that Institution.
During World War II she was employed by The United States Army as a Secretary and met Major Hector P. Garcia Who at that time was an Army Physician stationed in Italy. They were married in 1945 in Naples Italy in 1946 she and Dr. Hector moved to Corpus Christi Texas where he practiced medicine and founded the American GI Forum a Veteran’s Family Organization.
Dr. Hector Perez Garcia devoted his life fighting for the rights of Hispanic veterans and their families who faced discrimination after WWII. He later was a leader and advocate for education of young Americans. Education is our Freedom was his motto and made it the motto of the American GI Forum. Mrs. Wanda Garcia was instrumental in the success of her husband by caring for her family so that Dr. Garcia could complete his work. Her strength love and guidance will be greatly missed by her family friends and those who loved her.
She was a member of St. Patrick’s Catholic Church. In 2002 she moved to San Antonio Texas. Wanda was a devoted wife and mother instilling in her children an appreciation for beauty music and gardening.
She is survived by her daughter Daisy Wanda Garcia of Austin; daughter Cecilia Garcia Akers and husband Jim Akers of San Antonio; and daughter Susanna Patricia Garcia and partner Ellen Hahn of Lafayette Louisiana. She was preceded in death by her husband Dr. Hector Perez Garcia and her son Hector Garcia Jr. The family wants to thank Judy Sara and Grace for all their comfort and love for Wanda while caring for her.
A Rosary will be recited at Corpus Christi Cathedral on Tuesday September 23 2008 at 7:00 P.M. A Mass will be celebrated on Wednesday September 24 2008 at 10:00 A.M. at Corpus Christi Cathedral followed by a formal procession to Seaside Memorial Park for Burial.
