La Buena Fortuna Fund

Born on August 6, 1944, in Sancti Spíritus, Cuba, Julia Isabel was the daughter of Jose and Etelvina (Peñarocha) Vazquez. At the age of 19, she courageously left her family and homeland to begin a new life in the United States.

Julia shared 65 years of marriage with her beloved husband, Eduardo Garcia. Together, they built a life in Tarrytown and raised three children: Liana Garcia Piatkowski and her husband, Robert Piatkowski; Eduardo Garcia and his wife, Maria Garcia; and Anisi Garcia Roman and her husband, Eduardo Roman.

Julia was the proud grandmother of six granddaughters: Julia Alfano and her husband, Tristan Alfano; Natalie Fresher Colangelo and her husband, Nicholas Colangelo; Nicole Smith and her husband, Michael Smith; Gabriella Roman; Lindsay Fresher and her partner, Juliana Jones; and Olivia Roman. She was also the cherished great-grandmother of Nicholas Alfano. She is also remembered by her nephews Lazaro Arnaldo Vazquez, Jose Luis Vazquez and her niece, Ana Julia Vazquez and her former son-in-law, Michael Fresher.

Julia graduated from Mercy College with a degree in Education in 1974. Her favorite job was working as the Assistant Court Clerk for the Town of Tarrytown. She had a natural gift for making people laugh, smile and feel loved. Her warm, lighthearted personality brought joy to everyone around her.  She also loved to cook, and everyone looked forward to her special meals, not only because her food was delicious but because every dish was made with love.

Julia passed away on September 15, 2026.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the family's La Buena Fortuna Fund, which supports nonprofit organizations that work with the Latine community.