Ana Celia Garcia 1931-2026

Ana was born Dec. 1, 1931, in el campo of Naguabo, Puerto Rico, to Marcial and Francisca García, the fifth child and first daughter in her family. She arrived in New York City in 1951, where a new chapter of her life began.

In 1954, she married Jesus Rojas, and they began their family.

Early on, Ana made a living selling Puerto Rican dishes to families in the Bronx. She also worked at the Ideal Toy Company.

In 1970, she moved to Philadelphia, Pa., after her husband’s passing. Her journey eventually led her to Campbell, where she made her permanent home.

Ana lived a life rooted in faith and strength, and had a deep love for her family.

Ana worked as a custodian for the Campbell Board of Education, beginning in 1974, and retired after 20 years of faithful service. She was a lifetime member of La Iglesia De Dios Inc., where she faithfully served as a prayer intercessor and loved to worship her Lord Jesus Christ. Her faith guided her every day, and she was known as a selfless caregiver who remained committed to her church family and the community she loved.

Ana found joy in sewing, crocheting, gardening, and opening her home to friends and family. At an early age, she began cooking pasteles, arroz con gandules, pastelitos, bacalaitos and making limbers (a refreshing and delicious Puerto Rican tropical fruit popsicle) for her parents and her 12 siblings. She continued cooking with love for many years. La gente would often stop by her home to enjoy her specialties, which she prepared with the same warmth and generosity that defined her life. She dreamed of one day owning a restaurant, a wish that reflected both her love of cooking and her joy in bringing people together. Ana was highly respected and loved for her unwavering devotion to her family. She also cherished church excursions and loved traveling to Amish Country, where she enjoyed the peace, beauty and simple pleasures of those visits.

Ana was preceded in death by her husband, Jesus Rojas; her son, Jesus Rojas Jr.; her son-in-law, Allen Diaz; her grandson, Lyndon; and her siblings, Bonifacio, Juan, Miguel, Jaime, Cerafine, Candido and Vicente.

She leaves to cherish her memory her children, Ana Belén Rojas Harris, David Vásquez and Migdalia Adams (Ronald); her beloved grandchildren, Angeline (Kevin), Kathy, Robert, Maria, Matthew, Alexis, Erica, India, Dean and Armand; a host of great-grandchildren and great-great-grandchildren; her surviving siblings, Caridad, Lydia, Alexandria, Teodoro (Avelina) and Carlos Garcia; her granddog, Pepe, who rarely left her side; and many extended family and friends, both near and far.

Ana’s life was a beautiful testament to faith, resilience, hospitality and unconditional love. A fulfilled life with purpose, meaningful relationships and joy. She will be deeply missed and lovingly remembered by all who were blessed to know her.

Family and friends may pay their respects 10 a.m. to noon Monday, April 27, 2026, at UUYO Church, 1105 Elm St., Youngstown, OH 44505, followed by a funeral service at noon.

Arrangements have been entrusted to the professional care of the Rossi Brothers and Lellio Funeral Home, 4442 South Ave., Boardman. Family and friends are encouraged to offer prayers for the family and support by visiting the Book of Memories at www.rossifunerals.com.

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