Gabriela "Gabby" Garcia, 33, of Rockford, passed away on October 5, 2026, after a diagnosis of stomach cancer in July. Born July 6, 1993, in Rockford, she was the daughter of Rosario Quinones.

Gabby graduated from Boylan Catholic High School, Class of 2012. She was employed by the State of Illinois for 10 years, serving in a variety of positions, including as a Dietary Aide and, most recently, as a Security Therapy Aide at Elgin Mental Health Center. She attended St. Patrick's Catholic Church and was a member of the Vegas Dart League.

Gabby was the kind of person who made others feel comfortable simply by being herself. She was friendly, down-to-earth, sweet and genuinely interested in the people around her. She could talk to anyone and was always willing to go the extra mile to help someone. Optimistic and positive, Gabby wasn't one to judge others. She was observant, thoughtful and considerate, often noticing the little things that others might overlook.

Family was especially important to Gabby. She made a point of including everyone, particularly her nieces, nephews and their partners. She asked questions, joined in their conversations and made sure no one felt left out.

Gabby loved to travel and made it a point to visit the places where her sister Felicitas was stationed while serving in the military. She proudly attended her sister's boot camp and AIT graduation at Fort Leonard Wood. Her final trip was to St. Louis with her siblings, making another special memory together. She enjoyed the simple pleasures of relaxing by the pool, soaking up the sun and enjoying a cool drink.

Gabby also liked to look her best. Her face and eyebrows were always pristinely groomed, and even shortly before her final hospital admission, she made sure to have her eyebrows waxed. It was simply Gabby-no matter what life was throwing her way, some things still needed to be taken care of.

Even during her illness, Gabby remained determined to live life on her terms. Just days before her passing, she completed the Making Strides Against Breast Cancer Walk in Rockford with her sisters. She was the last participant to cross the finish line, but that didn't matter to Gabby-she was incredibly proud that she had finished, even though she was in a wheelchair, and being pushed by sisters Star and Jenny, and significant other, Dre. She enjoyed the breeze on her face. It was a fitting reflection of the way she approached life: with optimism, determination and a willingness to keep going.

Gabby is survived by her siblings, Felicitas (Ed) Lewis, Isabella (Roy) Rodriguez, Estraillita Lopez, Jennifer Perez and Carlos Martinez; nieces and nephews, Cyan Lewis, Alejandra-Rosario Lewis, Roy, Alex, Hannah, Malachi, Judah and Nehemiah Rodriguez, Juan Madriagal-Lopez, Adriana Esquivias-Lopez, Aracely Esquivias-Lopez, Michael, Malakai, Carlito and Diago Holmon, Karma, Kayleena, Kendra, Crisantos and Rudy Lopez; significant other, Deandre Phillips; and a circle of friends who will miss her dearly.

She was preceded in death by her mother, Rosario; brother, Crisantos Lopez; and maternal grandfather, Rudy Quinones.

Visitation will be held on Sunday, October 11, 2026, from 9:00 a.m. until 11:00 a.m. at Grace Funeral & Cremation Services, 4301 N. Alpine Rd., Rockford. A funeral service will follow at 11:00 a.m., with Father Ricardo Hernandez officiating. A livestream of the service may be viewed here: https://together.oneroomstreaming.com/M35TH6 Cremation rites will be accorded.

Share a memory or condolence at www.graceFH.com.