Alicia G. Oldenes, beloved wife, mother, grandmother and great grandmother passed away faithfully on February 4, 2023, with her daughters, Cynthia and Janette by her side.
Born to parents Cipriano and Jenny Garcia on May 3, 1934, in Torreón, Coahuila, Mexico, Alicia was raised by her grandmother Juanita in Mexico. After graduating from Academia Comercial “Hidalgo” she went to work as a secretary for an attorney in Mexico.
At the age of 19 she made her way to the United States where she reunited with her parents and siblings. Fully intending to return to her career it was not to be. Shortly after arriving to the U.S she met a young sailor with hazel eyes who stole her heart. They were married on August 12, 1953 and there began family life. There were 4 children, Cynthia, Janette, Geraldine(Jeri) and Manuel Jr.
Approximately 1963 would bring her a new career. She began her study of the Bible with Jehovah’s Witnesses. Her studies motivated her to dedicate her life to Jehovah God and get baptized as one of Jehovah’s Witnesses. What followed was the full-time ministry. Congregation meetings of Jehovah’s Witnesses were held at a small dwelling on the west side of Corcoran, early beginnings. Witnesses from other areas joined with the few in Corcoran who would over the years become English and Spanish Congregations.
Friends would tease and call her the “Bible Encyclopedia” because she could remember and find scriptural references quickly. Even as she aged, she could recall many scriptures and her shorthand. She shared many Bible truths with as many as she could. Alicia enjoyed doing crossword puzzles and word searches which helped her become fluent in English, helped her in her ministry and helped her establish citizenship in the US.
Hospitality was always at the top of the list and affectionately, her home was referred to as ‘Alice’s Kitchen’.
Till the very end she stood her ground on the sanctity of blood.
Alicia is survived by her husband of 69 yrs., Manuel Angel Oldenes Sr.; two daughters, Diana Cynthia Lamoureux of Laytonville, Ca., Janette Hanson (Dan) of Lake Isabella, Ca.; her brother, Gilbert Garcia (Irene); and numerous grandchildren, great grandchildren and two great-great grandchildren.
She was preceded in death by her daughter, Jeri in 1975 and her son, Manuel Jr. in 2021.
Memorial services were held Saturday, February 25 at 1 p.m. at the Kingdom Hall of Jehovah’s Witnesses in Corcoran.
Alicia Oldenes
