Mary Helen Barragan

"Virginia"

Born in Merced, California on October 21, 1946

Mary Virginia was raised in Canoga Park by her parents Pat and Erlinda (Prieta) Gallegos. Attended Canoga Park Elementary , Columbus Jr. High and graduated from Canoga Park High school and attended Mission College. Spent many days "at the ranch" on top of Valley Circle with her 5 sisters and two brothers- Connie Negrete, Susie Gallegos, Ruben Gallegos, Lena Gallegos, Rachel Hernandez, Pat Gallegos Jr. (Jr.) and Abbey Curiel.

Worked for Head Start for over 25 years were she worked various positions ranging from the cafeteria, to pre-school Teacher to Site Director and developed life long friendships. She became known in her local community as "Teacher Mary". Often assisted families who could not read or write in English in completing forms, translating items, and providing overall assistance. Her face would light up whenever she ran into a parent or student who always recognized "Teacher Mary".

Working for a school was a perfect job for a single mother who could be home on Holidays and the Summer to watch after her 4 children - Erlinda Innis, Rodney Barragan, Cecilia Barragan and Juan Barragan.

Whatever free time she had was spent on art and craft projects and crocheting. Mary Virginia was very creative and loved to take on new craft challenges. She was well known for her lavish holiday decorations, her famous chicken salad, jello squares, her Abondiga's soup, Christmas tamales and all her baked goods.

Mary Virginia became very active when her kids became involved in sports and spent many hours in the snack bar for the West Valley Eagles.

But with all this, her greatest joy by far were her 5 grandchildren - Monique Ochoa (Changita) Cesar Anthony Ochoa Jr.(Papa Chango) Malia Innis (Prietita Bonita) Arika Innis (Guerita) and Andrea Salazar. The teacher in her was a constant with her grandchildren. Teaching them how to read, write, bake, cook , do arts and crafts and, most importantly to always put family first and never be afraid of failure because, without falling we would never know what getting up feels like. All her greatest loves were shared and instilled in her grandchildren. Not only was she a grandmother to 5 but enjoyed anyone and every one who always had a positive influence in their lives. To many others she was known as "Ms Mary" she was loved and, adored by many. She overcame much adversity in her life and because of her strong will and loving heart she became a grandmother to many other people. She is a constant reminder to all of us that a pure heart will always and forever be missed.

Mary Virginia was able to see her first great- grandchild Saniyah Jackson (Lil Changita) she got to enjoy her 1st birthday and run around and call her Nana.

She was very excited about the upcoming trip to Oregon for her grandsons (Cesar Anthony) college graduation. But we know despite not being able to be there she was a very proud grandmother knowing of the accomplishments he achieved.

Mary Virginia - loving, generous, amazing Daughter, Mother, Sister, Grandmother and Great-grandmother we love you eternally and look forward to seeing you again.