APODACA, Virginia

Virginia Cook Apodaca Our beloved mother was gloriously reunited with her husband, Jerry; her brother, Bill and sister, Lily on Friday evening, June 18, 2010. Born September 30, 1920 in Ray, Arizona, she gently completed her earthly journey eager to be received by her Lord, whom she loved with all her being. Her entire life was devoted to bringing others to know the salvation, love and mercy of her Lord, which was her faith. This great faith led her to many missions: Virginia visited women in prison at the Pima County Jail for over 20 years as part of her Legion of Mary ministry volunteer, a Eucharistic minister with Carondelet St. Mary's Hospital for over 30 years, a member of the Catholic Daughters for 40 years, a life-long member of the Crusillo movement, working on many crusillos for both young and old throughout Arizona. She was also a professed 3rd order member of St. Francis since 1974. She was a secretary all of her life and worked with the IBEW unions for many years. Our mother was a vivacious woman, full of love and laughter who enjoyed this life to the fullest. She traveled the world and loved her annual pilgrimages to Mexico City to visit her beloved Virgin de Guadalupe. She always had time for her family and friends, whether enjoying a good poker game, a movie, catching up on novellas, or feeding her family the best "comida" in the world. She is survived by her sons, Dan (Carmen) Apodaca, Robert (Dolores) Lopez, Jeremiah (Norma) Apodaca; daughter, Gwen (Richard) Gallegos; 12 grandchildren, ten great-grandchildren, one great-great-grandchild, her sisters-in-law, Adelina San Felice and Valeria Cook McNeil and numerous beloved nieces and nephews. We were blessed with a devoted mother of incredible strength, undying love, wisdom and faith. She has left a shining example for all to follow in her grateful acceptance of all that life presented and unconditional love for all she met. She was a spiritual mother to many and her deepest desire was for all to love one another and cherish family and faith as she did. Thank you for the many prayers and condolences, Vaya con Dios Madre Querida, De Colores. Visitation will be held Friday, June 25, 2010, 5:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. at CARRILLO'S TUCSON MORTUARY (South Chapel) 240 S. Stone Ave., with a Rosary recited at 7:00 p.m. Mass will be offered Saturday, June 26, 2010, 9:00 a.m. at St. Augustine's Cathedral, 192 S. Stone Ave. Burial to follow at Holy Hope Cemetery, 3555 N. Oracle Rd. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Carondelet Foundation. Arrangements by CARRILLO'S TUCSON MORTUARY, INC. Published in the Tucson Newspapers on June 24, 2010