Virginia Benjamin Mascarenas "Grandma Gina, Virgie"
- cindybecerra1965
- Apr 26
- 2 min read
Birth Date: October 22, 2021
Birth Place: Alamosa Colorado
Baptized into the Roman Catholic Church: December 4, 1921 by, Father J.J Murphy
Place of Baptism: Sacred Heart Catholic Church Alamosa Colorado
God-Parents: Bonfacio Romero & Margaret Romero
Date of Death: February 3, 1994 Age: 72 Years 3 Months 12 Days
Place of Death: Manchester Kentucky
Burial Place: Alamosa Cemetary
Virginia was the second of fourteen children born to Alfonso and Catalina Medina. As a young woman, she worked in the fields and helped care for her many brothers and sisters, taking on responsibility at an early age. Her life was not easy; she endured profound hardship, including abuse and heartbreak, yet she carried on with remarkable strength and resilience.
She later married Tito Mascarenas of Alamosa, and together they had two daughters, Rosalie Martinez and Mary “Minnie” Vigil. Her family continued to grow, and she was blessed with seven grandchildren, eight great-grandchildren, and two great-great-grandchildren.
A dedicated and hardworking woman, she held two jobs to support her family, both at Helm Potato Company in the San Luis Valley. She worked as a potato sorter in a dark, damp warehouse and also cleaned the company’s front office. Despite not having the opportunity to learn to read or write, she navigated life with determination, wisdom, and grace.
She was known by all who loved her as the absolute best cook. Without ever following a recipe, she created meals that brought comfort and joy—each dish made with love and worthy of the highest praise. She made every holiday special, especially Christmas, always ensuring her family had beautiful celebrations and thoughtful gifts. She faced hardships with determination to provide a better life for her children than she had.
Continuing the Legacy
Grandma Gina's journey reminds me that every life has the power to make a difference. By embracing challenges, nurturing relationships, and staying open to learning, we can all create meaningful legacies.