Obituary of Monica Patricia Rincon Garcia

June 28, 1966 – Bogota, Colombia 
January 12, 2023 – Calgary, Alberta

On Thursday, January 12, 2023, Monica Patricia Rincon Garcia, of Calgary, AB, loving wife and mother of three, passed away at the age of 56 years.

Monica Patricia was born on June 28, 1966 in Bogota, Colombia to Dr. Eduardo and Lucila (Garcia) Rincon. She received her Medical Laboratory Science degree from Pontificia Universidad Javeriana in Bogota, Master of Science degree in Microbiology from Universidad de los Andes in Bogota, and Master of Science degree in Veterinary Medicine from the University of Calgary. On October 27, 2001, she married Camilo Jose Florez in San Diego, California. In 2006, they relocated in Bogota, Colombia. She emigrated from Bogota, Colombia to Canada, in March 2009. Monica Patricia moved to Calgary, Alberta, Canada with her husband and two daughters and in 2012, they welcomed their third daughter. 

They raised three daughters, Naomi Luciana, Zuri Sophia, and Gabriella. 

She was a member of the St. Joseph OCDS Calgary (Carmelite seculars) and volunteered with the Mustard Seed Calgary (social service organization) helping people in need. Monica Patricia accomplished much through her life and was particularly proud of her academic and scientific achievements, her passion for Natural Family Planning (NFP) counseling, giving back to the community, including volunteer work at Calgary Waldorf School, churches, and homeless shelters. Monica had passion for women health, sacred places and readings, fitness, music, dance, Latino food, and ethnic cuisine.

Monica’s most memorable vacations were when she was in Disney World at the age of 9, a visit to Yosemite National Park in California when was expecting her first child, a trip to Canmore, Lake Louise and Banff National Park regularly with her family, and last summer to Edmonton to attend Pope’s Francis reconciliation mass.  

Monica’s favourite quote was: 

“For surely I know the plans I have for you, says the Lord, plans for your welfare and not for harm, to give you a future with hope”. Jeremiah 29:11

She will be most remembered for her smile, laughter, warmth and passion for teaching and education.

Besides her loving husband, Monica is survived by her three daughters, Naomi Luciana, Zuri Sophia, and Gabriella of Calgary, AB; three brothers, Dr. Alfredo Rincon, Dr. Orlando Rincon, and Andres Rincon of Bogota, Colombia; sister, Martha Cantem; one brother-in-law, Lester Cantem of Sydney, Australia; as well as numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, brothers-in-law, sisters-in-law, and friends. Monica Patricia was predeceased by her father Dr. Eduardo Rincon in 1996, mother Lucila de Rincon in 2020, and brother Hermes in 2001.

Those wishing to pay their respects may do so at McInnis & Holloway (Park Memorial, 5008 Elbow Drive SW, Calgary, AB) on Wednesday, January 25, 2023, from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.

A Concelebrated Funeral Mass will be celebrated at St. Michael Catholic Community (800 – 85th Street S.W., Calgary, AB) on Thursday, January 26, 2023 at 2:00 p.m. Family and friends who are unable to attend in person are invited to join Mrs. Rincon Garcia’s service streamed live and will be viewable at the Facebook and Youtube links on this page: St. Michael Livestream Info.

In living memory of Monica Patricia Rincon Garcia, a tree will be planted in the Ann & Sandy Cross Conservation Area by McInnis & Holloway Funeral Homes, Park Memorial, 5008 Elbow Drive SW, Calgary, AB T2S 2L5, Telephone: 403-243-8200.