05/24/2026
On the day I had to finish the NNAVM wreath and ship it to DC, I was given another honor - to create a floral life tribute. Corey Garcia was a florist who was from Acoma Pueblo but designed in NYC. I remember him as a boy because his sister was my classmate. But I didn’t know adult Corey… only online.
We found each other on social media - one because our art medium was flowers but also because we’re both Acoma. We talked fleurs quite a bit. I would ask him for tips on “Big City Fleurs” when this Rez florist needed help. He would critique or love my designs and vice versa. We both did not like working with gyp and would make snarky remarks when we had do. He loved taking leftover fleurs from special events and designing in a glass skull vase or a container he made. I got to know him and his humor more through his friendship and bantering with Aaron Begay on social media. Corey and I both had a professional fleur admiration for each other…
In late April, Corey was missing. Family and friends had not heard from him. Then, his sister received the news that he was found unalive. The news hit hard. Then when arrangements were made to bring him home, his sister asked me to create his final life tribute. After crying and accepting the news, I said yes.
The body spray is created with tulips - one of his favorite flowers. He actually loved parrot tulips, but I couldn’t get any ordered in time. He also liked calla lilies and I found these black ones that reminded me of ones he used in a design I liked. Together with red willow, pennycress, aspidistra leaves and Italian ruscus… the spray came together.
I had a hard time getting motivated to create the flowers. After a good cry, I made sure I got into a positive mindset and danced and sang songs off key while designing. Then before delivery, my Mom and I prayed over the flowers for love, light and peace to the family, friends and community that were deeply impacted and touched by Corey.
I am going to miss his “Big City” fleur advice. I’m going to miss his online bantering with Aaron Begay. I am going to miss seeing his fleur creations. But most of all, I am going to miss having a bottle of wine with him in person.
