Nancy Lee Garcia, 94

Nancy Lee Garcia, 94, died at Edgewood Vista in Missoula, on Sept. 4, 2026 from Alzheimer's. She was born July 4, 1932 in New Albany, IN to Orin and Gertrude Engleman. She grew up in New Albany graduating from New Albany High School in 1950. She married David A Garcia on April 30, 1953. She first "met" him via letters. In September, 1952 he traveled to Indiana meeting Nancy for the first time.

Her journey began out west in the spring of 1954 when he brought her back to his birth state of Montana. Their first residence was in Livingston. She refused to go any further since she was 2,000 miles from home and knew someone (brother-in-law) in Livingston. In her words, she agreed to move May, 1955 to the small town of Superior after battling strong eastern Montana winds and tired of walking at a 45 degree angle every time she stepped out of the apartment. Daughter, Deborah (Debbie) was born in June. Her brothers, Kelly and Bruce, followed in 1957 and 1959. 

While Dad worked at Diamond Match lumber mill, Mom held down the fort at home. She was a wonderful stay at home mom who provide all of us the love and care we have cherished all these years. So many memories of her in the kitchen and allowing us to help. In those days we were never inside unless the weather was awful. Yes, outside was the playground. 

In 1962, she got homesick for Indiana. Being the dedicated husband, Dad quit the mill and we moved back to Indiana. Mom soon found out though that home was truly Montana, so in 1964 we moved back to Montana to stay. 

Her working career started in 1965 when she was employed by the County Extension Office. The banking industry though got her for the next 30 years when she was hired at the Montana Bank of Mineral County. She held various positions from February, 1967 – September, 1997. While there, she won a trip anywhere in the world of her choosing through Bank of America. Jack Lemmon drew her name out of a huge drum with 5,000 banks and agencies participating. They ended up going for 3 weeks to Kenya, Africa on a camera safari and a few days in Egypt. In 1979 she was confronted with a gun to her face when 2 men robbed the bank. Pretty exciting time for the small community of Superior. Luckily no one was hurt. Several times after retirement people would come up to her asking if she missed the bank. She'd always reply "I don't miss the work, but I miss the people." Yes, mom's heart was truly embedded in the Superior community. 

The list of volunteer organizations that were part of her life is extensive. Here's a list in no specific order: 4-H (11 years), Toastmistress Club, March of Dimes Chairman, School Board (member and President), United Methodist Church (treasurer >20 years), bookkeeper for Senior Citizens, Chamber of Commerce (President for 1 year), Hospital Medical Foundation Board, Hospital Guild and "Superior Kool Katz in Red Hatz" Red Hatters Club. 

Now you might ask what she did for fun? Well, as a kid it was amazing to watch your mom on stage at 3 community plays (1966, 1967, 1987). The Methodist Church started an annual Community Christmas program. Initially she was just helping with typing, but eventually was asked to take over as chairperson. Oh, my goodness what she did during fair time. Yep, right there in the parade in clown costume. She also put together the Fair Talent Show. Trips abroad after Africa consisted of 5 trips to Israel and Egypt over a ten years span where she made long lasting friends. Her last trip in 1999, she took Debbie. After each trip she would compile a picture album and narrative. She helped Debbie with hers. 

Her dedication to community, loving and giving heart, words of wisdom and wit will be missed. Alzheimer's cut short all these attributes for those who grew up experiencing them in and out of our home. 

She is survived by her daughter, Debbie (Roger) Hancock of Lolo, MT; son, Kelly (Suzie) Garcia of Superior, MT; son, Bruce, (Kathy) Garcia of Hayden, ID. Also, grandchildren, Shane (Marie) Powell of Vaughn, MT; Nova (John) Grilli of Ladson, SC; Rachel (Bryan) Andersen of Helena, MT; Lindsay Beaty of Superior, MT; Tyler (Alex) Garcia of Moscow, ID; Colter Garcia of Seattle, WA. Great-Grandchildren: Adison and Kade Powell; Cody, Trevor, Amy, Brandon, Karly Andersen; Isaak, Titus, Evelyn Garcia; Allison, Emilee and Ben Beaty; Lucian, Eason and Sabastan Grilli. 

She was preceded in death by her husband, David A Garcia, parents, Orin and Gertrude Engleman and sisters Helen and Faye. 

The family wishes to extend our deepest appreciation for all the staff throughout the 8 years mom was at Edgewood Vista Missoula. Without them, our family would have been unable to get through these difficult times and challenges Alzheimer's presents. "Thank you from the bottom of our hearts." 

Please join us for a memorial celebration of Nancy's life on Saturday, October 10 starting at 2 pm at the Superior High School. A luncheon will follow. 

Instead of flowers please send charitable contributions to Big Sky Hospice Foundation, 3760 Mullan Rd, Suite 101, Missoula, MT 59808 placing "in memory of" on memo line or the Superior United Methodist Church, PO Box 609, Superior, MT 59872. Again, put the same info on the memo line.

    Nancy Lee Garcia