Margaret Carey Garcia, 94, of Carbondale, PA, passed away peacefully on Sunday, August 23, 2026 at St. Luke’s Hospital in Orwigsburg, PA, with the support of her daughter and caregiver, Lavinia Garcia Ritter, and in spirit surrounded by the love of her family.

Born and raised in Carbondale, Margaret was the only child of Uriah and Margaret Allen Carey. Although an only child, she shared a particularly close bond with her aunt, Lavinia Allen Spencer, who held a special place in her life.

Margaret graduated from Keystone College and throughout her working years held positions in a variety of settings, including Daystrom, Inc., the Sheriff’s Office, and with Bruno Bonacci Financial Planning. While she took pride in her work, her most meaningful and rewarding role was raising her two daughters, Diana and Lavinia. Above all else, Margaret’s greatest passion was her family.

Margaret’s love story with her husband, Jose Maria Garcia, began in an unforgettable way. The two met while Margaret was vacationing in Miami Beach. One morning, she requested chocolate cake for breakfast. Curious about the woman who would order cake for breakfast, Jose brought it to her himself—and a love story began. They married in 1969 and shared 35 years together before Jose’s passing in 2003. Their love and the family they created together remained at the heart of Margaret’s life. Margaret was a lifetime member of the Berean Baptist Church, Carbondale, and a member of the Eastern Star.

Margaret was the devoted mother of Diana Lavinia Garcia (fiancé Lindsy Richardson), and Lavinia Garcia Ritter, (spouse of Trevor Ritter). She was a loving and proud grandmother to Owen Trevor Ritter, Evan Henry Ritter, Enzo Joseph Ritter and Isabella Maria Garcia West.

Her children and grandchildren were a tremendous source of pride and joy throughout her life. She treasured the time she spent with them and was especially fortunate to share meaningful time with her family in the weeks before her passing. Margaret left this life knowing that the family she loved so deeply was connected, supporting her and supporting one another. For a woman whose greatest passion was her family, there could have been no greater comfort.

Margaret lived a long life defined by family, love, resilience, and the relationships she cherished. From her childhood in Carbondale, to a chance encounter over chocolate cake in Miami Beach, to becoming a wife, mother, and grandmother, hers was a life filled with stories and memories that will continue to be shared by the family she leaves behind.

She was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Jose Maria Garcia, and her parents, Uriah and Margaret Allen Carey, and her aunt, Lavinia Allen Spencer.

Margaret will be deeply missed, lovingly remembered, and forever present in the family to whom she devoted her life.

Funeral services will be held on Wednesday, September 2, 2026 from Shifler-Parise Funeral Home and Cremation Services, 18 Airport Road, Clifford, PA. Visitation will be held from 10:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m., followed by the funeral service at 11:00 a.m. Burial will follow at the Willow View Cemetery, Clifford, PA