Anstris W. Garcia

Anstris Wilkey Garcia 79, of Portsmouth RI died peacefully, June 24, 2012 surrounded by her loving family after a long illness. She was born April 11, 1933 in Fall River Massachusetts, to the late Henry W. Wilkey and Elizabeth B. (Anthony) Wilkey. Anstris grew up in Portsmouth and was a Rogers High School graduate, class of 1951. She married the late Anthony Garcia and raised her family in Middletown. In her later years she lived in Portsmouth until she moved to Barefoot Bay, Micco Florida in 2002. She returned to Rhode Island in August 2011 to be close to family. Anstris was the sister of Peter R. Wilkey and the late Sylvia Wilkey Stingle. She attended Roger Williams, Salve Regina, and pursued a degree in Art Therapy at Pratt Institute, Brooklyn NY. She worked at the former Edgehill Newport and was a self employed seamstress and an accomplished artist.Anstris leaves four children, Laurel J. Thayer (Marc Thayer) of Middletown, Henry D. Garcia (Elise LaParle Garcia) of Portsmouth, Christopher D. Garcia of Satellite Beach, FL and Carrie B Rose (Gary Rose) of Tiverton. She was stepmother to Linda M. (Garcia) Mosher of Texas, Gregory J. Garcia of California, and the late Dr. Robert A. Garcia and stepdaughter- in- law Gretchen Garcia of Nebraska. She leaves seven grandchildren, six step grandchildren, and many nieces and nephews.Anstris was an active member of the Sebastian Christian Church in Sebastian FL where she sang in the choir, taught painting, and participated in bible study. Her murals are displayed in the church as a legacy of her commitment to serving God and the community. Nothing meant more to our Mom," Mammie", than to spend quality time with family and friends. She was a creative and caring soul with a passion for decorating, painting, and utilizing her extraordinary artistic flair. The family would like to thank the wonderful people of Hospice at Visiting Nurse of Newport and Bristol counties and the health professionals at St Elizabeth's Manor for their care and compassion. In addition, sincere gratitude to the many loving friends from Rhode Island to Florida, who gave so much faith, care and prayers.Calling hours will be held at the Connors Funeral Home, 55 West Main Road, Portsmouth RI on Friday June 29 from 3:00 to 6:00. A service in celebration of Anstris's life will be held at St. Mary's Episcopal Church, 324 East Main Rd. Portsmouth RI on Saturday June 30 at 10:00. All family and friends are invited to attend. Burial will be private.So that Anstris can continue to bring goodness to what was important to her, in lieu of flowers donations can be made to Sebastian Christian Church, 190 Day Drive, Sebastian FL 32958, St. Mary's Episcopal Church, 324 East Main Road, Portsmouth RI, or the American Cancer Society, 931 Jefferson Blvd., Suite 3004, Warwick, RI 02886. Visitation JUN 29. 03:00 PM - 06:00 PM Connors Funeral Home 55 West Main Road Portsmouth, RI, US, 02871 info@memorialfuneralhome.com http://www.connorsfuneralhome.com Service JUN 30. 10:00 AM St. Marys Episcopal 324 East Main Road Portsmouth, RI, US