After 92 years of being bold, brave, resilient, compassionate, and, at times, rebellious and audacious, Paulina B. Quiroga passed peacefully on November 7, 2024, surrounded by family and ready to reunite with those waiting her arrival in Heaven. Born January 15, 1932 in Mercedes, Texas to Oscar Bowman and Anita Garcia, Paulina took on many roles in her lifetime—daughter, sister, cousin, niece, aunt, comadre, friend, teacher, caregiver, neighbor— and she brought her authentic self to each of them. But, perhaps her most cherished identities were wife, mother, mother-in-law, grandmother, great-grandmother, and great-great grandmother. Paulina was married to Raul Quiroga for 55 years. In that partnership they shared laughter, admiration, and adoration. They persisted through times of challenge and loss and delighted in milestones, celebrations, and memories. As a young married couple, they left their Texas roots and established a new life and grew their family in Toledo, Ohio. After decades of midwestern living, they returned again to the Rio Grande Valley of Texas, building their dream home, caring for animals, and continuing to cultivate community. Together with Raul, Paulina raised and loved their 13 children, treasured their 25 grandchildren, cherished their 38 great-grandchildren, and enjoyed their 7 great-great-grandchildren. Dedicated, unwavering, and constant in her care of this family, Paulina is a consummate matriarch, and has led with grace, forgiveness, honesty, and strength.
Paulina is preceded in death by her parents, 3 sisters and 1 brother, husband (Raul), and sons (Noel and Arturo). She is survived by her brother (Oscar Bowman, Jr.); her children: Anita (Andrew), Israel (Sandy), Carlos, Andres (Nancy), Elsa (Tom), Alisia (Dwayne), Raul, Jr. (Janet), Orlando (Sylvia), Belinda (José), Carmina (Adrian), and Keyne (Maureen); and her beloved grandchildren, great-, and great-great-grandchildren.
Paulina will be remembered and missed for her unapologetically beautiful contradictions—being both serious and hilarious, tough and vulnerable, fierce and kindhearted, understated and extraordinary.
Family will receive friends on Saturday, November 9, 2024 from 5:00 pm to 10:00 pm. A eulogy will be shared at 7:00 pm at Funeraria del Angel Highland in Weslaco. A graveside service will be held at 10:00 am on Sunday, November 10, 2024 at Highland Memorial Park in Weslaco.
Fond memories and words of sympathy can be shared at www.funerariadelangelhighland.com
