Mylene "Mhy" Soriano Garcia

On December 3, 2024, at 3:33 p.m., Mylene “Mhy” Soriano Garcia, 63, was unexpectedly called home to be with the Lord—far too soon for us, but in His perfect and divine timing. A loving wife, mother, sister, aunt, niece, cousin, and friend, Mylene’s infectious warmth and joyful spirit will forever be missed by all who had the privilege of knowing her. Mylene was born on July 4, 1961, in Manila, Philippines, the eldest of four siblings. A bright and dedicated student, she majored in Communication Arts at the University of the Philippines at Los Baños, Laguna (UPLB), where she met the love of her life and soulmate, Jose “Jel” Garcia, in 1982. Mylene was a proud member of the Alpha Phi Omega Service Sorority, nurturing lifelong bonds with her sisters that far surpassed her college years. The couple immigrated to the United States in 1983, settling in Arlington, Virginia, where they married and started a family of their own. Mylene shared an extraordinarily close bond with her only child, Michelle Emily—a relationship that was as much a best friendship as it was a mother-daughter connection. From the moment Michelle was born 25 years ago, the two “twins” were inseparable. Mylene approached motherhood with a passion that was both instinctive and all-encompassing. To all who knew them through Michelle’s many activities growing up—dance, poetry, and Girl Scouts—it was undeniable that Mylene’s greatest joy was being deeply involved in her daughter’s world. Mylene also found great fulfillment in her role as Family Faith Formation Coordinator at St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Catholic Church in Lake Ridge, Virginia, the family’s home parish for over 20 years. She cherished the opportunity to guide young people on their spiritual journeys, helping them grow closer to God and to each other. Known for her unwavering kindness and charming nature—even to strangers—Mylene was a treasured member of the parish community. She even served on the planning committee for the parish’s annual Filipino Simbang Gabi Mass. For her, this work was more than a job; it was a calling that allowed her to humbly live out her faith and care deeply for others. Even in death, Mylene’s generous spirit lives on. She selflessly gave the gift of life through organ donation, offering recipients who had waited for years a renewed chance at life. She was honored with a Hero’s Honor Walk at Sentara Northern Virginia Medical Center in Woodbridge, VA. Mylene’s life was a shining example of faith, hope, and love—a testament to what it means to have a true servant’s heart. Mylene was a genuine lover of life and its many simple joys. She adored cooking delicious homemade meals for her family, taking long walks outdoors, visiting Michelle and Andrew’s new home in Pittsburgh, and doting on her beloved pets: her cat, Glory, and grandpuppy, Luigi. She cherished every moment spent with the youngest members of the family, lovingly embracing her role as “Lola Mhy” to her niece’s and goddaughter’s little girls. She never missed an opportunity to write letters or send greeting cards to family and friends—often for holidays, but just as often simply because she was thinking of them. Loving others was her life’s vocation. Mylene is preceded in death by her parents, Fundador Soriano and Virginia Maluto Adams, and her mother-in-law, Emelina Ragaza Garcia Camp. She is survived by her loving husband and life partner of 42 years, Jose “Jel” Garcia; her daughter, Michelle Garcia King, and son-in-law, Andrew King; her siblings, Allan Soriano, Juan “Deng” Soriano, and Pearl Solon; as well as numerous aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces, nephews, and godchildren. The family will receive visitors on Tuesday, December 10, 2024, from 5:00 to 8:00 p.m. at Miller Funeral Home, 3200 Golansky Blvd., Woodbridge, VA 22192. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Wednesday, December 11, 2024, at St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Catholic Church, 12807 Valleywood Drive, Lake Ridge, VA 22192. In lieu of flowers, donations in memory of Mylene may be made to the St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Church Capital Campaign. Please include “Memorial Opportunity in honor of Mylene Garcia” in the memo line.

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Mylene "Mhy" Soriano Garcia

December 3, 2024