Virginia H Zuniga

Virginia Zuniga was born May 2, 1921 in Douglas, Arizona and died December 29, 2019 in Riverside, California. A resident of Riverside for over 95 years, she is survived by her sons David Zuniga of Riverside, and Michael (Patricia) Mendoza of Corona, along with her daughter-in-law Lorraine Zuniga of Riverside. She is also survived by her grandchildren, Ramona Morales, Gina Alguire, Esther Ortiz, Becky Zuniga, Lisa Martinez, Mandy Adkins, Maria Rivas, Yolanda Mendoza-Kirkley, Michelle Aguirre and David Zuniga Jr. In addition, she is survived by 18 great grandchildren, and 10 great great grandchildren. Preceding her in death were her son, Manuel Zuniga, Jr., her parents, Miguel and Maria Huerta; her siblings Dolores Negrete, Isabel Mosqueda, Ralph Huerta, Solomon Huerta, Raul Huerta and Pedro Huerta; her daughter-in-law Betty Zuniga; Manuel Zuniga, Sr.; Luis Mendoza; her grandsons David Zuniga and Ramon Zuniga; and her great grandson Ryan Alguire.

Virginia spent most of her life in Riverside, and told many stories about how the city had changed from its origins as a quiet citrus-growing town. She was very proud that her mother trusted her enough as a child to send her to the little stores at dawn to pick up needed groceries. After attending Chemawa Jr. High, she went to work full-time in the orange groves, walnut groves and packing houses surrounding Riverside, working alongside her family in bringing in the crops. She would laugh and say that the key to successful picking was not speed in picking fruit, but speed in grabbing the available crates! After leaving the packing houses, she was an egg candler for long-time Riverside resident Red Kramer, remaining at the egg farm until her retirement.

She raised her sons in Riverside, and proudly noted she attended graduations all over town. After living in various places in Arlington she ultimately landed at the Santa Fe Apartments, where she remained for over 30 years until her death.

Virginia enjoyed making crocheted blankets and other projects for her family. But her favorite form of relaxation was spending time with all the members of her extended family. She was particularly close to her sisters and felt that making tamales with her sisters and other family members was one of the highlights of her year. She loved teaching her grandchildren to make tortillas, and was patient with them when their efforts were not successful. She enjoyed caring for her grandchildren and loved nothing better than having a nice long visit with those she cared about. She met life’s challenges with bravery and faith, as well as with confidence that her family would survive. She was the last of her generation and a strong example to us all.