With heavy hearts, we announce the passing of Lisa Cruz Garcia Burch, a devoted mother, wife, grandmother, daughter, sister and friend, who peacefully passed away on Dec. 11, 2024, at the age of 61 from ALS.
Born and raised in Carpinteria, Lisa was the embodiment of love, faith, and service to others, leaving behind a legacy of compassion and resilience.
A proud mother to four daughters — Gee, Lee, Bree and Dee were her constant source of love and guidance.
Her daily messages, affectionately referring to them as her “Guada chicks,” were a testament to the strong bond she shared with her girls, who were her pride and joy.
She was a devoted wife to her husband. They enjoyed the great outdoors with hiking, biking, beach walks, skiing, sweet moments by the pond, and a friendly competition of ping pong together. They shared the love of music and often would sit by their pond listening to their favorite songs.
As a grandmother, Lisa found immense joy in playing with her grandchildren, offering them the same warmth and wisdom she gave her own children. They referred to her as “Ella” and loved her deeply. Henry, Hudson, Ford, Ella and Elliot and grand dogs Lucky and Bellinger were the apples of her eyes.
Lisa was a passionate and dedicated woman who found solace in the natural beauty of the world. She loved to hike the Franklin Trail, where she found peace in the quiet of the outdoors.
Her energy also extended to the dance floor, where Jazzercise was a favorite activity, helping her stay active while radiating positivity and joy.
Her enthusiasm for life extended to her social life, as she relished the times spent attending concerts and plays with her sister and friends.
A woman of deep faith, Lisa relied on the Holy Spirit to navigate the challenges of life, always embracing each day with a “glass-half-full” mentality.
Her unwavering belief in the power of love and kindness guided her every action, from making meals for those in need to sending uplifting cards to brighten the lives of others.
She had an innate ability to make people feel loved, seen and valued, offering a warm smile and a comforting word to all who crossed her path.
Lisa was also a cherished member of her community, known for her generous spirit and warm-hearted nature. She touched the lives of many with her thoughtfulness and unwavering support. Whether it was lending a helping hand or simply offering a listening ear, she was always there for those in need.
Lisa courageously battled ALS. In the midst of a terrible disease, she continued to live life with that same beautiful spirit.
She is survived by her father Alfonso Garcia; her husband Beldon Burch; daughters Giana Miller (Andrew), Leanna Cox (Seth), Breanna Garcia (Melissa), Deanna Rodriguez (Anthony); sister Anita Garcia; and brother Salvador Garcia. She was preceded in death by her beloved mother Lupe Garcia, and her brother Trinidad Garcia.
A celebration of her life will be held at 10 a.m. Saturday, Dec. 21 at Carpinteria Cemetery, with a reception to follow at Manning Park, spot #9 in Montecito.
The family requests that in lieu of flowers, donations be made to the ALS Association, as Lisa would have wanted to continue helping others in her memory. Her legacy will live on in the hearts of all who loved her.