On May 21st, 1941, Virginia was born in Ponce, Puerto Rico. She was the daughter of the belated Dolores Vargas and Victoria Rivera. She was the youngest of 11 children, and now she is the last to depart, closing that generation. Growing up in Puerto Rico, as a young girl between the age of 12 years to 14 years old, she would assist her belated mother, Victoria, who was a Certified Mid-Wife. Together with her belated sister, Ramona would help their mother with Maternity Care.
On July 5th, 1952, Puerto Rico became a Commonwealth of the United States of America. This historic event will soon make new changes in Virginia’s future. Virginia’s Education was limited as she was the youngest in the household, with the responsibilities of farming crops with her father. At times she would travel with her father at night to the villages where she sang aguinaldos, traditional folklore songs of Puerto Rico, or Spiritual Songs from the church. Virginia was self-taught and gained many talents. She was the family Barber, and even neighbors would come to her for a haircut. She was often seen cutting hair outside on the driveway.
At 17 years old, she married a widower, Florencio Andujar October 4th, 1958. Immediately into the marriage, she became a Stepmother, helping raise Florencio and his dearly departed wife Filomena Torres’s firstborn son Neftali Andujar. Several years later, she would soon meet her second-born stepdaughter Juanita Andujar, raised by her Mother’s Godparents. Virginia and Florencio went on to have four sons, Florencio Jr., Gerardo, Luis, and Wilson, and two daughters, Maria and Marta, making a total family of eight. They continued to raise their children in Ponce, Puerto Rico but sought the opportunity for their children to have a better future. They relocated to Bronx, N.Y, where Virginia’s belated brother Arcadio Vargas lived and helped Florencio find employment. They sought a safer place for their children, so a year later, Virginia visited her late brother Rufino Vargas in Rochester, N.Y. She loved it and found a home there.
Virginia was a Housewife and an at-home seamstress, sowing furniture upholstery, dresses, and outfits for her children. She temporarily worked part-time outside of the home in sewing factories. Her hobby was gardening, and she enjoyed planting many flowers of all colors.
The seeds of faith and Salvation were planted into Virginia’s heart throughout her life. She became involved with the Charismatic Movement that swept around the World and through St. Frances Church, leading prayer meetings even at home. She became involved in the Praise and Worship Choir at St. Michael’s Church. At 35 years old, she attended Faith Temple Church, where she completed Catechism Bible Courses. She received Salvation giving her heart to Jesus Christ and proclamation. She received the Baptism of the Holy Spirit with evidence of speaking in Tongues. She publicly proclaimed her faith and Salvation by obeying the command of Jesus by being baptized in water, symbolizing her rebirth in Jesus and living God’s will.
As the family grew older, Virginia became a loving grandmother. She even raised one of her Grandsons, Josué Andujar. She sheltered many families with Florencio; their doors were always open, and their home was full! Together they had a big loving heart for their family and would do anything to help them. Her kitchen was always open to everyone. She would give her last grain of rice to visitors and the last slice of bread to feed the birds outside! Somehow, she would figure out how to make an abundance of food from almost nothing.
On October 4th, 2018, they celebrated their very last Wedding Anniversary, their 60th. Their legacy of true love, loyalty, and endurance is forever sealed! They proved a testament that marriage works. Florencio and Virginia battled many life challenges, and ironically, they both dealt with battling Cancer and defeated it with eternal life through Jesus Christ.
On Saturday, April 30th, 2022, Virginia leaves her legacy of:
· 8 Children
· 23 Grandchildren
· 54 Great-Grandchildren
· 7 Great-Great-Grandchildren
· 4 Step-Grandchildren
· 8 Step-Great-Grandchildren
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