Virginia Prado Antunez

Virginia Prado Antunez 88, our beloved mother went to be with our Lord, in her home in Phoenix, surrounded by her loved ones on Saturday, September 22, 2018. She was born on December 8, 1929 in Morrill, Nebraska to Eduviges and Anna Maria (Nicasio) Prado.

Virginia attended school in Torrington Wyoming and worked alongside her family in the fields. She married Pete Martinez in 1951 and together they had ten children. Virginia moved with her children to Phoenix, Arizona in 1969. She worked two jobs while raising her children and completing her education. She obtained a teaching certificate and became a Head Start teacher for the Wilson School District for 26 years. She then met and married Ramon Antunez in 1982.

Virginia’s life was well lived and she was deeply loved by her family and friends. She was “Mom” to many and everyone was warmly welcomed into her home. Her home was the gathering place where countless celebrations were enjoyed by all. She was very active and loved being with family and friends. She also loved music, walking, dancing, traveling, casino trips and her beloved senior center. Mom had a contagious sense of humor and positive outlook. She saw the good in everyone and treated everyone with respect and kindness.

Virginia is survived by her children, George Martinez, Ronald Martinez (Vickie), Virgil Martinez, Carlos Martinez (Denise), Charlotte Martinez-Davis (Joseph), Lydia Westergard (Jake), Irma Martinez, Alicia Martinez, and John Martinez (Regina), 5 stepchildren, 29 grandchildren and 22 great grandchildren. Brothers David Prado (Rose) and Henry Prado (Simona), sisters Evangelina Carrillo (Salvador) and Connie Rodriguez (Paul) and many nieces, nephews, cousins, aunts and uncles. She is preceded in death by her parents Eduviges and Anna Maria Prado, husband Ramon Antunez, son Pete Martinez Jr. (Melinda), stepsons Max and Ray Jr., siblings, Martin Nicasio, Father Anacleto (Cletus), Paul, Juan, Eulalia and Lucia Prado.

Services will be on Friday, September 28, 2018, at St. Theresa’s Catholic Church, 5048 E. Thomas Rd., Phoenix with a Rosary at 9:00 A.M. followed by viewing and Mass beginning at 10:00 A.M. Reception immediately following at VFW post 720, 4853 E. Thomas Rd., Phoenix. Burial will be on Monday, October 1, 2018, at National Memorial Cemetery of Arizona, 23029 Cave Creek Rd. Phoenix.

The family wishes to extend their gratitude to Hospice of the Valley for their exceptional care and the Devonshire Senior Center for their wonderful kindness.