The news that Thyra Garcia, manager of payroll and records in the Department of Human Resources, had died suddenly on Nov. 15 while battling cancer, has devastated her colleagues across the University.
Mrs. Garcia was an enthusiastic and giving member of the York University community. Her ready smile and genuine warmth touched many who encountered her since she arrived in 2010.
“Thyra was a caring and understanding person and manager who always had a smile on her face,” said one colleague. “She always made time to listen to people and make sure her staff was well. Every morning she would happily greet each and every one of her staff and everyone around her. She would befriend many people she encountered, even on the GO bus, where the other passengers knew her by name.”
Mrs. Garcia took time every day to recognize and appreciate her staff and made a special effort during National Payroll Week, often leaving small gifts and “little somethings” for her staff to show her appreciation for their hard work.
Described as a wonderful, warm and caring individual, Mrs. Garcia, or “Thyra” as she liked to be known, was someone who would find the positive side in everything. She enjoyed laughing and making people laugh.
Her colleagues said they would miss her warm smile.
“Thyra was without doubt a supportive and understanding, mother, relative and friend whose heart was clearly focused on doing right to all sorts of people,” said her husband Peter Garcia.
A memorial service has been tentatively planned for Monday, Nov. 24. Once finalized, details will be published in YFile. In addition to her many colleagues and friends at York University, Mrs. Garcia leaves an extended network of family and friends in Canada and Trinidad.
The flags on the Keele and Glendon campuses and those at Passey residences will be lowered to half-mast on Tuesday, Nov. 18 at 8am and will remain at half-mast until Wednesday, Nov. 19 at 1pm in memory of Mrs. Garcia.