Cano-Garcia recalled as gifted, determined, humble

District Attorney Susana Martinez was among many who wept as they read Bible passages or gave eulogies Friday during a service for District Judge Silvia Cano-Garcia, who died Monday after a long battle with cancer.

“So many of us look back on our lives and wonder, ‘have I made a difference?’ We wonder if we are dedicating our energies and the talents God gave each of us to what really matters. For Silvia, there is no doubt,” Martinez said. “She did make a difference. She was devoted as a daughter, wife, mother, sister and friend. She served her community with passion, eloquence and excellence. Let her life and legacy serve as reminders that we are here on this earth for the blink of an eye, and during that time we must love and serve each other with all our hearts and leave the world a richer place.”

Many spoke at the service about Cano-Garcia as tireless, devoted, determined, gifted and humble. Her sister Karin Cano talked about her accomplishments as a pianist, artist, carpenter, cook, Bible teacher and fisherwoman, in addition to her accomplishments as a lawyer and judge, and also pointed out that Cano-Garcia earned three bachelor’s degrees from New Mexico State University in three years. Most of those accomplishments, her sister said, are things many don’t know about.

“While she could have used these things to impress, she didn’t. She was humble,” Cano said.

Many at the service wore purple ribbons. That was Cano-Garcia’s favorite color, and she was often seen in court wearing a bright purple robe, instead of the traditional black. On the walls of her courtroom hung her own paintings, her sister said.

Cano spoke of her sister as one who stood out for her creativity and willingness to be unique.

“I think it’s safe to say that she will make a case with the Almighty for wings that are tie-died,” Cano said.

The service was held at St. Paul’s United Methodist Church to accommodate the hundreds in attendance, but officiated by the Rev. Scott A. Ruthven of St. Andrew’s Episcopal Church.

Martinez and Cano both recalled the private manner in which Cano-Garcia fought her cancer, but also her determination to overcome it.

“She is an extreme example of strength and courage for us to follow,” Martinez said. “She was a very brave woman.”

Ruthven recalled visiting Cano-Garcia and her family at Memorial Medical Center on Sunday, hours before Cano-Garcia would die, and anointing her and praying with her family.

“It was the most intimate moment, to be with someone before they enter resurrection,” he said.

Cano-Garcia’s friend and co-worker in the criminal division, District Judge Stephen Bridgforth, read from Psalm 30: “You have turned my mourning into dancing; you have taken off my sackcloth and clothed me with joy, so that my soul may praise you and not be silent. O Lord, my God, I will give you thanks forever.”

That was the tone of the entire service.

“When you go back to your busy lives,” Cano told those in attendance, “reflect on our time here on this earth. Carry on her good works or your own.”