Felicitas Garcia Afan

Mrs. Felicitas Garcia Afan was the third daughter of Marcelina Gines and Hilario Garcia, was born in Narvacan, Ilocos Sur in the Philippines 10/10/1921. While still in the womb, her father migrated to California in 1917. She married at a young age and had eleven children. In 1978 she immigrated to Palm Springs, California to be with her late husband Honofre Afan. Felicitas was a lively spirit. You knew that Felicitas was in the room by her endless laughter and genuine smile. Being around family and friends brought Felicitas great joy. She especially took great pride in taking care of her grand children who knew Felicitas as "Mommy". She was a person glowing with love in providing their needs, affections, and guidance in their formative years. Her house was often filled with many grandchildren it could have been a day care.

With her amicable personality she easily inspired close friendships. Acquaintances felt they were family. Felicitas became friends with everyone and anyone, including celebrities she met working at American Colony Hotel. Often times, Felicitas would welcome visiting celebrities to her home to cook and meet the family. Her home was open to all, and the center for many gatherings. Once you walked into her home, Felicitas offered food and drinks, even when you were not hungry or thirsty. Her inviting hospitality made declining impossible. Felicitas cherished long term friendships. Of note, Felicitas was best friends and lifetime neighbors in the Philippines and America with Consolacion Mabbayad. Together they helped raise their shared grandchildren.

One of her passions was cooking. Her nurturing quality manifested in her food. It was her physical display of how much she loved you. It gave her joy to cater and nourish you. She communicated her love to you verbally and through breaking bread and spending time. Even in the Philippines with limited resources, she liked to prepare during the summer ades of the guayabano (soursap) fruit for children in the neighborhood.

Felicitas loved all things Elvis. Her home was decorated with Elvis memorabilia. She was always humming, singing, and dancing to Elvis records. Felicitas had an energetic and playful character. She liked to stay active. She enjoyed taking walks in the morning, going on fishing trips, Vegas vacations, and spending time with family at casino.

She was surpassed by her late husband and ensued by her three children, Alexander, George and Jo Eilleen, and her life long best friend "mamang." She is survived by her eight children (Lawrence, Laraine, Jeanette, Ingrid, Felicitas, Honofre Jr., Nicholas III, Mary Joy Sharon), twenty five grandchildren, thirty great grandchildren and one great great grandchild with fond memories of her to cherish. She will be missed by those whose lives she has affected with loved.

Felicitas Garcia Afan, 95, born on October 10, 1921 in Philippines passed away April 18, 2017. She resided in Cathedral City, CA at the time of her passing.