Virginia (Lopez) Tanguma

Maria Virginia (Lopez) Tanguma, 67, a beloved member of the Three Rivers community, passed away on Saturday, July 6, 2024, in San Antonio, Texas.

Virginia was born September 28, 1956, in Three Rivers, Texas to Bernardo and Carmen (Garza) Lopez. She was a proud graduate of Three Rivers High School and married her high school sweetheart, Martin Tanguma, Jr., on June 7, 1975, in Three Rivers. 

Martin and Virginia are members of Sacred Heart Catholic Church. They have been married 49 years, renewed their vows after 25 years and had plans to celebrate their 50th anniversary.

Virginia proudly served Live Oak County for more than 30 years, including the numerous years she served as Justice of the Peace, Precinct No. 2. Further, her commitment to justice, her family, her church and the citizens of Live Oak County will leave a lasting impact on all those who had the privilege of knowing her.

She enjoyed spending time cooking and preparing large meals for family gatherings, birthdays and holidays.

Her hobbies included baking, reading, crafting, decorating her home and doing yard work to maintain her lovely flowers and plants. Virginia loved shopping, loved jewelry and was always dressed to a T. She particularly enjoyed going to her favorite boutiques. She enjoyed daily visitors and reminiscing about old times. Visiting with nieces and nephews and watching them swim in her pool gave her much pleasure. She loved cooking Sunday dinners, and it was not unusual to have 20-plus friends and family attending. 

Virginia was preceded in death by her parents, Bernardo and Carmen Lopez; and her one brother, Oscar Lopez.

She is survived by her husband of 49 years, Martin Tanguma, Jr.; her sister, Sylvia Salazar (spouse, Pete Salazar); numerous aunts, uncles, cousins; her mother-in-law, Anita Tanguma; and Martin’s brothers and sisters, nieces, nephews, great-nieces and nephews including her many friends and neighbors whom she loved dearly and considered family.

Visitation will be held from 5 to 6 p.m. on Friday, July 12, at Galloway & Sons Funeral Home in Three Rivers followed by a Rosary at 7 p.m. at Sacred Heart Catholic Church.

The funeral Mass will be celebrated at 10 a.m. on Saturday, July 13, at Sacred Heart Catholic Church with Father Ryszard Zielinski officiating. Burial will follow at the Three Rivers Cemetery.

Pallbearers include Mario Dominguez, Steve Garza, James Presley, Thomas Salazar, Kristofer Tanguma and Lonnie Anzaldua.

Honorary pallbearers include Abel Anzaldua, Gerardo Romero, David House, Aiden Dominguez, Mario Alvarez, Eugenio Paiz, Bobby Pena, Daniel Alvarez and Tony Lopez.