Maria del Refugio Vega-Lugo, age 71, passed away on September 22, 2026. Maria was born on September 9, 1955, in Pharr, Texas, to Damacio and Lilia Vega. A resident of Corpus Christi, Texas, Maria’s life was marked by steady devotion to family, faith, and the work she felt called to do.
Maria graduated from Pharr San Juan Alamo (PSJA). With a deep respect for learning and a determined spirit, she pursued higher education at Pan American University and St. Edwards to become a teacher. She later attended Texas A&M Corpus Christi to earn her teaching certificate and obtain her Masters of Science.
From 1984 to 2004, Maria worked for the Texas Employment Commission/Texas Workforce Solutions, serving others with diligence and professionalism. Afterward, she followed her passion for education and became a teacher at Foy H. Moody High School, where she taught computer science—bringing patience, clarity, and purpose to her students and her classroom.
Beyond her professional life, Maria found joy and camaraderie in bowling. A dedicated enthusiast, she celebrated a proud achievement when she won the Double Event at the Texas Woman's Tournament with Kathe Delp. She also cherished the friendships formed through her bowling family and Bunco Group, and the many workfriends who shared in the days and years of her life.
Maria’s faith was an enduring foundation. She was a member of Most Precious Blood Catholic Church and St. Philip the Apostle Catholic Church, where her presence reflected quiet reverence and steadfast belief.
Maria is survived by her husband, Juan L. Lugo; her son, Jesse Lugo; her daughter, Leandra Lugo(Deravian); her stepson, John (Barbie); her sister, Idalia Casarez; her brothers, Jose Vega and Juan Vega (Cecilia); and her grandchildren: Juan Leo Lugo, Jonah Lugo, Kaylee J. Stenson, Kahli P. Stenson, Khamila M. Stenson, and Luna Mia Lugo; as well as numerous nieces and nephews, work friends, bowling family and Bunco Group. She was preceded in death by her father, Damacio Vega.
Visitation will be held at Funeraria Del Angel, 4901 Everhart Road, Corpus Christi, TX 78411, on October 14, 2026, from 5:00 pm to 9:00 pm. A Prayer Service will be held at Funeraria Del Angel on October 14, 2026, from 7:00 pm to 8:00 pm. Visitation will continue at Funeraria Del Angel on October 15, 2026, from 8:30 am to 10:30 am. A Religious Ceremony will be held at St. Philip the Apostle Catholic Church, 3513 Cimarron Blvd, Corpus Christi, TX 78414, on October 15, 2026, from 11:00 am to 12:00 pm. A Committal Service will follow at Memory Gardens, 8200 Old Brownsville Road, Corpus Christi, TX 78415, on October 15, 2026, from 12:30 pm to 1:00 pm.
