Sr. Bernice Garcia

Garcia, OP, Sister Bernice, of Grand Rapids was gently called home to God on October 26, 2026, at the age of 89, after 70 years of joyful and faithful Dominican religious life.

Sister Bernice Garcia, OP, lived a long and faithful life marked by joy, creativity, and service. Born May 21, 1937, in Menzano, New Mexico, she was the fifth of seven children of Roman and Josefina Baca Garcia. At fourteen, inspired by a visiting Dominican Sister, she became an Aspirant at Marywood and in 1955 entered the community as a Postulant.

After profession and studies at Aquinas College, Sister Bernice taught in elementary and junior high schools across Michigan. Returning to New Mexico, she helped establish an innovative ungraded school at St. Anthony School in Peñasco and later participated in an ecumenical program at Holy Cross School in Santa Cruz that brought together students from ten Christian denominations.

Sister Bernice’s leadership roles included Assistant Superintendent of Catholic Schools for the Archdiocese of Santa Fe and principal of St. Francis Xavier School, St. Mary’s School, and Our Lady of the Assumption School. She also served in parish ministry, religious education, housing support, and parish administration. In 2010, she received the Lumen Ecclesiae Award for outstanding service to the Catholic community, especially in adult faith formation.

As co-founder and board member of Southwest Creations Collaborative, Sister Bernice helped provide women with dignified employment, fair wages, affordable childcare, and opportunities to support their families. She spent her final years peacefully at Aquinata Hall, continuing to express joy, gratitude, and love through her presence.

Sister Bernice is remembered with gratitude for her steadfast faith, pioneering leadership, compassion for those in need, and joyful commitment to Dominican life and mission. May she rest in the peace of Christ.

Sister Bernice will repose at Marywood Chapel of the Word, 111 Lakeside Dr. NE, with a Remembering Service on Thursday, October 29, 2026, at 9:00 am and Mass of Christian Burial to follow at 10:30 am. Burial will be at Resurrection Cemetery. Memorials in Sister Bernice’s name may be made to the Grand Rapids Dominican Sisters.