In Memory of Dona de Garcia

Thank you for visiting our tribute page for our beloved Dona.

As you may know, after a long bout with bladder cancer, she passed away in August of 2022 surrounded by family. The American Cancer Society’s mission is to save lives, celebrate lives, and lead the fight for a world without cancer. 

We're raising funds to to help improve the lives of people affected by cancer. We would love your support as we honor Dona's life.  

She is survived by her husband, Baltazar; daughter, Natalie Esparza, three sons; Patrick, James and Gregory, and two grandchildren, Abel and Eli Esparza. 

 Dona was born on July 22, 1956 near Mount Vernon, New York.  She was the first of four children to Big Jim and Toots Casey. Dona grew up with her brother, Jimmie, & sisters Patty and Kathy (Wall), becoming the best big sister ever.
 
The Casey’s arrived in north Dallas & Dona laid down her roots & lived in this area for the rest of her life. She married Baltazar & grew their family, her greatest legacy,  with love, patience & humor. It was often heard in Dona’s home: “I love you more.”
 
 She enjoyed spending time reading, being outdoors, investigating her family genealogy, traveling, gardening, jogging and taking long walks.  
 
 She loved sharing her home with her pets - most recently,  Moose, who would impatiently sit at her feet, staring at her, waiting to be fed… again.
 
 The holiday seasons, most of all,
 Thanksgiving and Christmas, is where Dona shined the brightest. She always prepared magnificent feasts, playing Christmas in Harlem on repeat along with all the holiday music you could listen to, beautifully decorating her home to fit each occasion - anyone that visited felt welcomed and loved.  And if you were lucky enough to be seated at that long holiday table among family, the laughter is what you’ll remember & return for year after year.
 
 Dona worked hard her entire life-she began as a waitress at The Chimney restaurant where she made lifelong friends. Upon starting her family, she held various positions at grocery stores, Southwest Airlines, school districts, and Bank of America – where she was adored.  She ended her career after running her own business, Copper Star, before retiring in 2021.  
 
 Dona was one of a kind & we are all better for having known her. 

 She will be sorely missed by us all.