Virginia Coronado

Mercedes-

Virginia Coronado, affectionately known as "Tita," passed away peacefully on January 14, 2025, at the McAllen Heart Hospital at 97. She leaves behind a legacy of love and dedication that will resonate in the hearts of those who knew her. Born on September 28, 1927, Virginia embodied warmth and strength. She was devoted to her family and cherished as a guiding light.

Tita was born and raised in Matamoros, Tamaulipas, with seven siblings. As a teenager, she met her soulmate, Alejandro, at La Plaza (a town square). From that point on, they were devoted to one another and were married for 52 years. 

Alejandro worked as a butcher, and eventually, the Coronado family migrated to the United States. Alejandro was a skilled meat cutter, an expert in meat processing, and able to excel in this physically demanding environment, so he soon found many opportunities. The family lived in Harlingen, then moved to several locations such as Houston,where Alejandro worked for Dixies, Weslaco at Molina”s Slaughter House and then Mercedes for H&H. His success earned Tita an even more demanding job managing their home and children. 

Tita was the epitome of a full-time homemaker. She meticulously managed her household, transforming it into a sanctuary of love and support. She was an excellent cook, pouring her heart into every meal from scratch, with recipes that included her memorable homemade salsa, mole, rice, cabrito, menudo and pozole. Each dish bore a unique touch of her love, creating joy and comfort for her family. Tita was efficient, creative, and resourceful, coordinating busy schedules and adapting to inevitable challenges that interrupted routines, all while keeping a positive attitude. Tita’s ability to maintain harmony and nurture those around her made her home where everyone felt valued, listened to, and loved.

Tita’s laughter and kindness created memories that will echo in the lives of her family long after her departure. Tita had an uncanny ability to exemplify calmness even in the storm, serving as a beacon of strength and guidance. She truly cherished her role as the cornerstone of countless family gatherings, hosting festive occasions where her genuine spirit shone brightly. Her zest for adventure matched her knack for celebration; she delighted in traveling, particularly to various casinos. Tita would embrace her lucky moments at the “maquinitas,” where her family and friends would share her victories. 

Tita was deeply devoted to her faith. She was a devout Catholic dedicated to La Virgin de Guadalupe. Her commitment to attending Mass was unwavering, and she made many memorable trips, including stopping at churches to acquire new statues of the Virgin for her cherished collection. Tita’s faith inspired her children and grandchildren, which was undoubtedly why she could weather any storm with grace. 

As a warm and lively personality, Tita brought energy and joy into every room she entered. Her sharp memory ensured no detail went unnoticed, making even the smallest moments feel extraordinary. She had an endearing frankness and a delightful sense of humor that endeared her to all who knew her.

Tita also found solace in gardening and watching movies, among the many small pleasures that enriched her life. Her favorite daytime show was The Price is Right, which she watched daily at 10 am, even during her final days at the hospital. 

The impact of Virginia Coronado's love, laughter, and teachings will forever guide her family as they navigate life without her physical presence. Her spirit will continue to support them as they hold onto cherished memories, and her legacy will undoubtedly live on through the lives she touched.

Virginia “Tita” is preceded in death by her parents, Ernesto and Mauricia (Lopez) Sosa; her husband, Alejandro Coronado; their son, Alex Coronado; her siblings, Porfirio Lopez Sosa, Maria Concepcïon Lopez Sosa, Esteban Lopez Sosa (Maria Rodriguez), Ramona Gonzalez Lopez (Fernando), Ernesto Lopez Sosa (Susana), Beatriz Leal Lopez (Israel), and Gloria Garcia Lopez (Aizar). 

She is survived by her daughter, Maria Alicia Moreno (Jesse); son, Juan Manuel Coronado (Nellie); daughter-in-law, Maria de Pilar Coronado; grandchildren, Jesse Moreno, Luis Moreno, Johnny Coronado (Regina), Ruby Coronado (Christian Navarro), Dellanira Coronado (Rolando Montoya), Maria Pilar Garcia (Rufino), Lauriel Coronado (Estrellita), and Alexandra De Leon (Jerry), great-grandchildren, Stella, Nathaniel, Calista, Marely, Romeo, Vasti, Abigail, Jose, RJ, and Vivian, and numerous nieces and nephews. 

Family and friends are invited to honor her memory during visitation on Friday, January 17, 2025, from 10:30 AM to 9:00 PM, with a Holy Rosary at 7:00 PM at McCaleb Funeral Home in Weslaco, TX. A Funeral Mass will be celebrated on Saturday at 10:00 AM at St. Joan of Arc Catholic Church. Tita will entombed next to her husband, Alejandro, at Highland Memorial Park at 11:00 AM.

Virginia Coronado's heart may have stopped beating, but her love will remain forever in the hearts of those she cherished.