Virginia Sanchez Alcoser, 97, of Fillmore died of old age at her home surrounded by loving family on Monday, June 29, 2009, at approximately 9:15 p.m.
Virginia was born on May 22, 1912, in Zacatecas, Mexico. She was orphaned at the age of 5, and then she, her brother and sister were sent to Fillmore, CA, to be raised by their aunt. At the age of 15 she was given in an arranged marriage to Jesus Alcoser, 20 years her senior. During their 62 years of marriage, they produced 14 children: daughter Mary Torrez (husband Chris Torrez, now deceased), residing in Fillmore, CA; daughter Vera and husband Benjamin Banuelos, residing in San Benito, TX; daughter Victoria Alcoser, residing in Lakeview Terrace, CA; Mike Alcozar and wife, Sarah, residing in Camarillo, CA; daughter Lucy and husband, Albert Villa, residing in Santa Paula, CA; son Guillermo Alcoser(stillborn); son Ralph Alcoser and wife, Amelia, residing in Fillmore, CA; daughter Irene and husband, Robert Maciel, residing in Santa Maria, CA (Irene’s first husband, Louis Rodriguez, now deceased); son William Alcoser residing in Norwalk, CA; daughter Teresa and husband, Armando Marquez, residing in San Ramon, CA; son Joe Alcoser, residing in Lomita, CA; daughter, Josephine, married to Joe Alcocer, residing in Piru, CA; daughter Jenny, married to Luis Diaz, residing in Fillmore, CA; and son Johnny Alcoser, also residing in Fillmore, CA. Through her children, Virginia was blessed with 38 grandchildren, 91 great-grandchildren and 40 great-great-grandchildren, the joys of her life.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Jesus Alcoser; brother Angel Sanchez, sister Consuelo Bueno, son Guillermo Alcoser, son-in-law Louis Rodriguez, son-in-law Chris Torrez, grandchild Julie Villa and great-grandchild Ricky Torrez.
Although Virginia herself never experienced the joy of her parents and brother and sister as a family growing up, she provided a loving and secure home for her children, finding ways to help provide for her family. Along with all that was entailed in keeping house for her family, she washed and ironed clothes for other families, watched their children, cleaned homes, baked bread and, her favorite, held garage sales. Garage sales were not only a means to earn money but a means to socialize with members of the community. Her financial and budgeting skills made it possible for the family to purchase their first home.
Virginia was an active member of St. Francis of Assisi’s community. Her strong faith and constant prayer protected her four sons while in the military and brought them home safely. She loved participating with members of her church, making tamales to raise money for the new church.
She valued our country more than most, knowing the opportunities and blessings that this country offered her and her family. She proudly displayed the American flag and was a faithful supporter of the Disabled American Veterans.
Virginia’s life was all about God, family, country and friends. Her priorities have brought value to us all and we will miss her greatly.