Dona Maria (Casey) de Garcia, 66, passed away peacefully at her home in McKinney, TX on Tuesday, August 30, 2022 surrounded by her four children and husband, Baltazar, of 40 years. She is survived by her husband; daughter, Natalie Esparza, three sons; Patrick, James and Gregory, and two grandchildren, Abel and Eli Esparza. Dona was born on July 22, 1956 near Mount Vernon, New York. She was the first of four children to Big Jim and Toots Casey. Dona grew up with her brother, Jimmie, & sisters Patty and Kathy (Wall), becoming the best big sister ever. As Big Jim pursued a sales career, the family moved quite often. The first move was from NYC to Nashville, Tennessee. Big Jim considered the southerly move an opportunity to leave behind all things related to snow, cold & winter. The home on Dundee Lane, sits on a big hill, where Dona & Jimmie’s first Tennessee winter began a long lament of their forgotten sleds - which Big Jim never heard the end of… Then on to Stone Mountain, Georgia where Dona began her long love of animals, with her first dog - a miniature poodle, named Toodles. Three years later, the family journeyed to Houston where Dona, already displaying her work ethic, bought her first VW Bug, emerald green, an accomplishment-since she had not yet learned to drive. The Casey’s arrived in north Dallas & Dona laid down her roots & lived in this area for the rest of her life. She married Baltazar & grew their family, her greatest legacy, with love, patience & humor. It was often heard in Dona’s home “I love you more.” She enjoyed spending time reading, being outdoors, investigating her family genealogy, traveling, gardening, jogging and taking long walks. She loved sharing her home with her pets - most recently, Moose, who would impatiently sit at her feet, staring at her, waiting to be fed… again. The holiday seasons, most of all, Thanksgiving and Christmas, is where Dona shined the brightest. She always prepared magnificent feasts, playing Christmas in Harlem on repeat along with all the holiday music you could listen to, beautifully decorating her home to fit each occasion - anyone that visited felt welcomed and loved. And if you were lucky enough to be seated at that long holiday table among family, the laughter is what you’ll remember & return for year after year. Dona worked hard her entire life-she began as a waitress at The Chimney restaurant where she made lifelong friends. Upon starting her family, she held various positions at grocery stores,

Southwest Airlines, school districts, and Bank of America – where she was adored. She ended her career after running her own business, Copper Star, before retiring in 2021.

During her bout with cancer, she created a word that helped her fight through the adversity she faced day to day - bazhinka (buh-zhink-uh). Anytime a hurdle came about, Dona would say bazhinka and power through it! Dona was one of a kind & we are all better for having known her - she will be sorely missed by us all. A mass will be held in her honor Saturday, October 1, 2022 / 11:00 am in Plano, TX at Saint Elizabeth Ann Seton – 2700 W Spring Creek Pkwy Plano, TX 75023. Please join us for a celebration of Dona after the mass at 12405 Chattanooga Dr, Frisco, 75035. In lieu of flowers, you may make a donation in Dona’s name to https://raiseyourway.donordrive.com/campaign/DonadeGarcia

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