Juan Garcia Serna
Prayer is the best gift you can give someone.
Obituary
LJuan was born in the county of Huanusco, Zacatecas, Mexico to Gregorio Garcia and Maria de Refugio Serna. His parents were devout Catholics and raised their children in the church, setting the foundation for Juan's continued dedication to his faith throughout his life and into his final days.
Beginning at the age of 4, it was apparent that Juan embodied a strong work ethic, already tending to sheep and planting crops on his family's land in Mexico. It was here that his passion for plants, gardening, and animals began and would continue for the rest of his life. At 20 years old, he made the journey to the United States and settled in the city of Brea, CA. The only words he knew were "yellow impala" which in Spanish means "ice shovel,” but through friendships forged in the community, namely with Jose Segura, he learned English. While taking high school and adult education classes, Juan simultaneously worked two to three jobs to send money back to his family in Mexico and to buy a home in the city of Brea.
In 1992, he began The Grupo de Oracion prayer group at St. Angela Merci which ran for 25 years and even lead its revival before his passing. Countless hours were spent at the church volunteering and serving in any way that was needed. The Feast Day for Our Lady of Guadalupe was particularly favored as it brought him an immense amount of joy decorating the church for this special occasion.
Juan was an incredibly hard worker and fervently devoted to his church but he knew how to play hard too. He loved baseball and was a left-handed pitcher in the minor leagues. He also loved to dance, especially The West Coast Swing, 2-Step, Cha Cha, and The Hustle and even won trophies for his dancing! It was at one of these dance classes that he fell for his favorite dance partner, Bonnie, standing out amongst the group because she was so tall! Three months later they were married and in the following years welcomed two children, Grace and John. Juan and Bonnie celebrated 40 wonderful years together this year and his 80th birthday.
Family was sacred to Juan. He had many nieces and nephews and always loved to load them up in his Red Van to take them on outings to Knotts Berry Farm, Disneyland, Angel Stadium (Go Angels!!), The Queen Mary, and the Japanese Garden. Our entire family has wonderful memories of being with him. He strived to be a role model for all, always emphasizing going to school, working hard, and the importance of unwavering faith.
Juan was a wonderful son, brother, uncle, friend, husband, and father. He is survived by his wife, Bonnie, daughter Grace, son John, brothers Gabriel, David, Blas, Gregorio, and sisters Esther, Rafaela, Petra, Maria de Refugio, Josephina, and Maria De La Cruz.
We will miss him dearly but will always remember his legacy.
Gallery
Memory wall
Family tree
Favorites
GO ANGELS!
Played Minor League Baseball.
Was ambidextrous.
Service
While we mourn the loss of our dear Father, Husband, Friend, and Brother, we also aim to cherish the moments shared and all the joy brought into our lives. Your presence would mean a great deal to us during this time of remembrance and reflection.
Our Dad wanted people to wear colors instead of black. His Mass will be bilingual and a full Catholic Mass.
The Reception will be at St. Angela Merici Church Hall. Lunch will be provided.
585 South Walnut Avenue, Brea, CA, USA
585 South Walnut Avenue, Brea, CA, USA
7845 Santiago Cyn Rd, Orange, CA 92869
585 South Walnut Avenue, Brea, CA, USA
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