Dora was born on April 6, 1918, in Holbrook to Nerez and Socorro (Baca) Garcia. Her family were among the founding members of Our Lady of Guadalupe Parish. She attended Holbrook public schools while growing up and was a 1935 graduate of Holbrook High School. Dora was one of the earliest employees of the Painted Desert Lodge long before it became part of Petrified Forest National Park. Soon after the start of World War II, Dora, along with her sister, Delores, responded to the call for female workers to fill positions in wartime industries. She was employed by Lockheed Corporation in Burbank, Calif., where she riveted the wings on P-38 Lightning fighter aircraft. She worked in the “Rosie the Riveter” mode until near war’s end. In 1945, Dora married Trinidad (Trini) Estrada in Holbrook following his return from serving in the Army. They were married 51 years until Trini’s passing in 1996. Throughout her life, Dora displayed love for God, family and country. She served in several volunteer roles in our Lady of Guadalupe Church. She was President of the American Legion Auxiliary unit and was a vote counter in local elections. She is survived by her children, Arthur, Robert and Martha; several grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and great-great-grandchildren. A Mass of Christian Burial and Celebration of Life will be held at 11 a.m. preceded at 10:30 a.m. by Rosary on June 24, at Our Lady of Guadalupe Church in Holbrook (casual, celebratory dress please). Interment will be at Holbrook Cemetery. A reception will be held following the mass at the Parish Family Center.
