Maggie Felker
Maria Carmina Garcia puts her heart into each hand-pattied pupusa.
Maria Carmina Garcia came to Madison more than 30 years ago via a “secret railroad” of churches and aid organizations helping people flee political violence in El Salvador. She only stayed in the city nine months, but during that time she formed a deep and enduring friendship with a local couple, Maggie Felker and David Byrd.
“To me, these people are my family,” says Garcia, who worked as a housekeeper for the couple and became fond of their young children, David and Rachel. Garcia eventually moved to Illinois, where she works as a chef in a nursing home, but she stayed in close contact with the Byrd-Felker family over the years.
In 2002, David went missing while traveling in Ecuador and was never found. His parents founded a nonprofit in his memory — David’s Educational Opportunity Fund — which supports low-income students in Ecuador.
Garcia is also involved with the organization, and for the past four years, she has returned to Madison to serve her famous pupusas — a Central American dish similar to an empanada — at an annual benefit for David’s Fund. She’ll also make her signature guacamole, as well as lemon bars — a recipe she picked up from an American co-worker.
This year, the event is Aug. 14 from 1:30 to 4:30 p.m. at the Byrd-Felker home, 5725 Bittersweet Place. It includes live music, entertainment from the Atlas Improv Company and a silent auction of Ecuadorian crafts. Suggested donation is $25 for individuals, $35 for families.
