Pat Castaneda Garcia

Petra Castaneda Garcia (Pat), passed away peacefully on August 24, 2025, at her granddaughter, Alina's, home. She was a lifetime resident of San Pedro. She was born on June 7, 1932. She married our dad, Rudolfo (Rudy) Garcia, in 1953. They were married nearly 51 years when he passed on April 10, 2004.

Our mother’s parents Celestina and Fortunato Castaneda had eleven children. There were seven brothers and three sisters. Preceded in death by Raul, Evangelina (Peewee), Joe, Pedro (Popeye, her twin brother), Louie and Charlie.  Survived by Lambert, Maria (Mary) Dora, Ernie and Elizabeth (Lizzie). There are multiple nieces and nephews in the area and extended family in Texas.

They had 6 children Michael, deceased, Rick (Rudy) (Kim), Pat, Andrew, Laura (Erik), and Ellen (Nancy). They had several grandchildren: David (Malissa), Alina, Angel, Justin (Leann), Michelle (Adam), and Jessica (Erick) and step-grandchildren Gianna, Bianca, Jacob and Vincent (Delilah). They had several great and great-great grandchildren.

She attended Dana Jr. High and then attended and graduated from San Pedro High School with the Winter Class 1951. While in high school she worked at the Canneries. She worked at San Pedro High School as an Educational Aide for more than 42 years.

Our mom was involved in the community throughout her lifetime. She was involved with Mid-town baseball (Boys Club), Pop Warner and Jr. All American Football. She was a SPHS Lady Booster, an Elks Emblem Club member and Las Damas (Fermin Lasuen). She was active with her San Pedro High School Class of ’51 reunions and activities.

Our parents enjoyed traveling the United States.

Mom knew a lot of people within the community. Wherever she went in town she knew people. She would see former students in her later years, and they would thank her for encouraging them to stay in school or protecting them from harm’s way.

Now that our parents have both passed, they will be together forever.

We love you mom and will miss you. You will forever be in our hearts.