Virginia "Gina" Padilla

Las Cruces -

Matthew 6:33-34

Seek the Kingdom of God above all else

Virginia "Gina" Padilla entered into eternal life on December 25th, 2020. She was called home by her Lord and Savior Jesus Christ on Christmas morning.

Virginia B. Apodaca was born January 19th, 1950 to Ralph and Miquela Apodaca in Eloy, Arizona. Gina was a devout Catholic and attended the Cathedral of Immaculate Heart of Mary. She was strong in her faith and was devoted to the Holy Rosary and Divine Mercy. Her strong faith in God attributed to her ability to become a breast cancer survivor since 1979. Gina lived out her faith for many years as an active Extraordinary Eucharistic Minister of Holy Communion for the church, elderly in nursing homes, the sick, and the homebound. Gina was committed to being a weekly adorer at the adoration chapel and also helped the altar society with church linens. Gina was involved in various fundraisers, helping plan weddings and quinceaneras. She was always willing to offer prayers, food, and help to all those in need. Gina unceasingly prayed for her loved ones.

Gina loved life and enjoyed many simple pleasures that included taking care of her plants and garden, and exercising and dancing to Zumba with her friends and family. She enjoyed cooking, baking and serving her family especially during the holidays. Gina was a dedicated wife, mother, grandmother, great grandmother, sister, aunt, mother-in-law and was a blessing to all who knew her. She was instrumental in caring for her children, grandchildren and other children in her home.

Those left behind to commemorate her eternal rest are her siblings, brother Willie Apodaca, wife Eva, brother Jerry Apodaca, wife Vicky, brother Richard Apodaca, wife Angie (deceased), and sister Priscilla Apodaca. Her children, son Ralph A. Padilla, wife Margarita and family, daughter Rosemarie A. Padilla (Henry), son Rudy A. Padilla, and daughter Irene P. Benavidez, husband Albert. Her grandchildren, Crystal M. Serna, Joshua A. Aguirre, Joseph A. Serna, Shenoah R. Padilla, Kandice R. Guzman, Adrian D. Benavidez. Her great-grandchildren, Julian J. Romero, Adriel A. Serna, Elianna U. Serna and numerous nieces and nephews.

Gina is preceded in death by her parents, her husband Daniel L. Padilla of 42 years, her great-granddaughter Vianney C. Serna, and her lifelong best friend Isabel "Chavela" Aragon. Pallbearers will be her six grandchildren and honorary pallbearers will be godsons, Isaac Apodaca, and Sammy Valdez Jr.

In lieu of flowers the family requests that donations be made to breast cancer awareness, the American Heart Association, and the Cathedral of Immaculate Heart of Mary.

Mom, we love you and we will miss you. May God be in front of you, may he be in back of you, on your right side, and on your left side.

Funeral services will be held Friday January 22, 2021 at the Cathedral of the Immaculate Heart of Mary at 1240 S. Espina Street. Recitation of the Holy Rosary will begin at 10:30 A.M. with the Funeral Mass to follow at 11:00 A.M. Interment will take place at Hillcrest Memorial Gardens. Due to Covid-19 restrictions capacity will be limited to family, and those that attend are asked to please respect social distancing.

Service arrangements are entrusted to the care of Baca's Funeral Chapel of Las Cruces 300 E. Boutz Road, 575-527-2222. Your exclusive provider for "Veterans and Family Memorial Care." For online condolences logon to www.bacasfuneralchapelslascruces.com