Rest in Peace Justa "Ana" Garcia (1930-2024) [Ana performs "Lamento Borincano"]

Rest in peace Justa "Ana" Garcia (1930-2024)
Ana, a beloved member of the Young@Heart, passed away on February 1, 2024. Ana joined the group in the middle of the pandemic in June 2021. She had an auspicious debut at her first rehearsal with the group where she sang the classic Puerto Rican song "Lamento Borincano" and blew everyone away - she then made her way to the stage with us in the spring of 2022, where she sang the song in front of 800 people. We were lucky enough to film both of those moments.
Ana was the first person to ever join the group already in her 90’s. Everything about Ana was a treat. She had a fabulous voice, a great sense of humor and beautiful spirit. She was loved by all in the 2.5-year period she was a member of the group.
Although our time with Ana was too short it was amazing how much she packed into those two years, with four performances at the Academy of Music, shows at Green River Festival, The Big E, Mill Pond Festival, the South Hadley Festival, The Florence Porch Series and a touring gig at the Zeiterion Theater in New Bedford.
Ana came to our rehearsals up until only a few weeks ago, and at her last show with the group in November she made a powerful speech to the audience (in both English and Spanish) about music & love being the key to happiness. She was the real deal. Our deepest condolences to her loving and supportive family and we thank them for allowing us to spend some very quality time with their beloved Ana.

[@natashab3412]

Thank you for bringing so much joy to y@h fans everywhere by sharing your remarkable talent.
Peace on your journey home
❤🎶🎤🌄

[@beverlyjohnson5503]

RIP Mrs Ana 😢😢you were a beautiful trailblazer im Mrs Dora Morrow niece 🎉❤

[@rraawk00]

that last note!! all of it sung with so much spirit... que descances, Justa 🕊

[@sonianieto1746]

Ana, que en paz descanses. Nos trajiste mucha felicidad al coro y a mí personalmente, palabras sabias en la muerte de mi querido esposo.

[@TheG.V.5]

Thank you so much for this video - it's a real treasure for those of us she's left behind. ❤

[@adventureswithgnomie6553]

Rest in Peace 😢

[@mynameISsky]

Rest in Peace, Ma'am....

[@natashab3412]

Thank you for bringing so much joy to y@h fans everywhere by sharing your remarkable talent.
Peace on your journey home
❤🎶🎤🌄

[@natashab3412]

Thank you for bringing so much joy to y@h fans everywhere by sharing your remarkable talent.
Peace on your journey home
❤🎶🎤🌄