Martha Lazcano Muguira

Dr. Martha (Marty) Lazcano Muguira, born August 23, 1946 in Mexico City, Mexico, long time resident of Hampton and Henrico, Va, passed away peacefully surrounded by her loved ones on August 5, 2012 in Richmond, Va.

Dr. Muguira served the Richmond community for 12 years as clinical director and program manager at St. Joseph’s Villa, followed by a distinguished stint as executive director of Homeward. She loved travel, plants, participating in her local cooking club, and writing, especially her memoir and her CarePages blog, which detailed her six-year struggle with multiple myeloma. Always generous with her time, skills and energy, Dr. Muguira served on the board of Caritas, Better Business Bureau, Richmond Behavioral Health Authority, and was a graduate of Leadership Metro Richmond (Class of 2004).

A graduate of the prestigious American School Foundation, Mexico City, she earned a scholarship through the American Embassy to attend North Carolina Wesleyan College and moved to the USA at age 18. She subsequently earned Bachelor’s, Master’s, and Doctoral degrees from Christopher Newport College, Old Dominion University, and The College of William and Mary respectively, graduating with the distinction of being the first Hispanic female to earn a Doctorate in Education from William and Mary.

To the very end, she possessed a passion for life and learning. She was a champion for the under-served, and maintained steadfast devotion to her family and friends. She was a courageous warrior, a beloved wife, mother, Nana, daughter, sister, auntie, and friend.

For the last 10 years, Marty was the adored spouse of Lt. Col.William A. Tinsley, who currently resides in Henrico, Va. She is also survived by her daughter Melanie Kuftic, son-in-law John Kuftic Jr., grandson Alexander Kuftic, son Christopher Muguira, daughter-in-law Catherine Baab-Muguira, brother-in-law James Muguira and his wife Julie Ray, step-son Craig Tinsley, step-son Keith Tinsley and his wife Dr. Susan Tinsley Li, grandchildren Keith Tinsley and Alina Tinsley, mother Elvira Reyes Spíndola S., brother Emilio Lazcano R. S. and his wife Angélica de Lazcano Razo, sister Elizabeth Lazcano R. S. and her husband Felipe Rocha M., brother Victor Lazcano R. S. and his wife Rosa Valadez J., half-sister Saskia Lazcano S. and her husband Omar Kuri K., halfbrother Alfredo Lazcano S. and his wife Ana María García G., half-brother Lenard Lazcano S., as well as other nieces, nephews, cousins, extended family, and friends. She was preceded in death by her husband of 28 years, Vincent Muguira; her father, Emilio Lazcano Chavez; her daughter, Yvonne Muguira; and her granddaughter, Anna Kuftic.

The family will receive visitors Friday, August 10, from 6 to 8 p.m. at Woody Funeral Home, 1771 North Parham Road, Richmond, VA 23229. A celebration of Marty’s life will be held on August 11, 2012 at 2 p.m. at South Hampton Baptist Church, 7521 Comanche Drive, Richmond, VA 23225. Marty requested that contributions be made to The Dr. Martha Lazcano Muguira Fellowship Endowment, c/o of The College of William and Mary, P.O. Box 1693, Williamsburg, VA 23187.