Maria Virginia Pereyra

She was a daughter, wife, “Tia Virginia”, friend, mother to Hector, Taide, Gloria, Minerva, and grandmother to Daniel, Adam, Leslie, David and Michael whom she loved with all her heart. To those who had the opportunity to meet her and be a part of her life she was known mainly as Virginia but was also known as Maria.

It was during Maria Virginia’s college years in Mexico that she was introduced to Heliodoro Pereyra at her job at his brother-in-law’s photo studio. It was love at first sight, and they were married on December 28, 1959 in El Paso, Texas. In case you didn’t know, Maria Virginia always thought he looked like a Mexican version of the Hollywood’s actor “Gregory Peck”.

As Maria Virgina left Mexico, her mother and siblings and the life and language she was familiar with, she followed her heart and the love of her life of 65 years to the United States of America. Moving to this country was an unknown adventure for her because she would have to rely on her patience, culture, religious faith, perseverance, work ethic and pride in order to navigate and live in her new world. She learned quickly that she would have to advocate and be focused to reach and achieve her goals and help support those of her children.

After getting married in El Paso, they then moved near to downtown San Diego and rented a house close to St. Jude’s Catholic Church. In this location Maria Virginia would give birth to her children Hector, Taide, and Gloria. In fall of 1969, they bought their first home in Chula Vista, where she then gave birth to Minerva and together raised their children through elementary school, high school, college and into their married lives.

Maria Virginia’s work ethic influenced her to find work to contribute to their household. Throughout her life she worked in a professional independent photo studio in downtown San Diego, vegetable packing plant, volunteered at St. Pius X school, and was a cake decorator, lunch monitor and a teacher assistance in the preschool at Jackson Elementary.

Maria Virginia always appreciated everything in her life, especially having the opportunity to live, work and raise her children in America. Living in the United States made her realize the opportunities that were available for her children and the possibilities for future successes. This is why she was determined to learn how to read, write and speak English, get her driver’s license, and become a U.S. citizen.

Maria Virgina was also well known in her neighborhood for her kindness, caring and providing personal support, baked goods and tamales. She consistently checked in on neighbors who lost their spouses and helped, taking them to church, doctor’s appointments and grocery shopping. Maria was like the “Energizer Bunny” who just kept going and going when it came to helping, caring and supporting her neighbors.

Lastly, her children would like all of you to know and remember that their mom believed in family, education, work ethic, culture and that she was a devout Catholic, attending church regularly throughout her life at St. Pius since 1969. Maria Virginia not only attended church but she also drove and walked neighbors to church until she was uncapable of doing it herself due to her health.

In the end, Maria Virginia’s faith strengthened throughout her life through her actions, love, and advocacy for her family, neighbors and others by overcoming any hardships and barriers she faced. It was her self-discipline, strict structure, perseverance and faith that guided her decisions to teach and support her family. She always did things out of love, although at times her ways could be misunderstood, she always acted on what she determined as being fair and being responsible. We hope she knows she truly will be missed by those who loved her the most and those who appreciated her friendship and helping hand. We love you forever Mom and more than that!

Love Always, Hector, Gloria, Mini, Daniel, Leslie, Adam, David and Michael