Sister Ana Lina Garcia was born in Valladolid, Spain, April 12, 1926 to Gregorio and Jeronima Garcia. She entered the Franciscan Missionaries of Mary in Pamplona, Spain. After making her First Vows in 1958, Ana Lina was missioned to the FMM community in Vatican City, Italy, and after Final Vows (1961), to the United States.
A member of the FMM community in Harlem, NY, she worked as a group mother and supervisor of infants in McMahon Child Care Shelter. Later, from 1977 – 2002, she worked as a Social Worker Aide and in the Records Room at McMahon Services, which had moved to New York City. During this time, Ana Lina was a member of the FMM community at East 45thStreet.
Ana Lina studied Advanced Child Care at Catholic Charities, Archdiocese of New York. Her knowledge and experience enabled her to fill the position of supervisor. Her special skills in sewing and making vestments perfected when in Vatican City continued to be appreciated and of tremendous value. When in the Vatican, she used her talents in the service of Saint Pope John XXIII. Also of note, Ana Lina had a speaking knowledge of Spanish, Italian, French and English which endeared her to so many!
Ana Lina was missioned to Waukegan, Illinois where she collaborated in social ministry among the poor in the parish. After several years, there, she was missioned to Trinity Community, Fruit Hill, North Providence, RI and later to St. Antoine Residence in North Smithfield, RI.
Wherever she went, Ana Lina brought joy, laughter and was loved by her fmm sisters, family and co-workers. She combined a mischievous frankness, humor, uniqueness and genuine love – all of which endeared her to family, sisters and friends.
Oh Virgen del Pilar, Reina y Madre. España y todas las naciones hispanas reconocen con gratitud tu protección
constante y esperan seguir contando con ella.
Obténnos de tu Hijo fortaleza en la fe, seguridad
en la esperanza y constancia en el amor.
Queremos que en todos los instantes de nuestra vida
sintamos que tu eres nuestra Madre.
Por Jesucristo nuestro Señor. Amén.