VIRGINIA CARBALLO-MEDINA RIVAS STEIN

Virginia Carballo-Medina Rivas Stein was born in San Antonio, Texas on May 21st, 1935 and entered into eternal peace on Holy Saturday, April 3rd, 2021 at 85 years of age. She was preceded in death by her beloved parents: Heliodoro and Carolina Carballo Medina; her sisters: Julia, Maria (and husband, Jose Esparza), and Natividad (Henry Falcon); brothers: Raul, Ramon, and Julio; and dear friend Manny Fernandez. Twice a widow, she was also preceded by husbands Eddie Rivas and Salvador Stein. Virginia is survived by two brothers: Al Medina (Mary Alice) and Daniel C. Medina (Janie); her children: Edwina Rivas Kolbinskie Bustos (Bobby), Ed Rivas (Patricia King), H. Raul Rivas, Veronica Stein-Sekely (David), Salvador Stein III (Anna), and Maria Barrera (Carlos); her grandchildren: Eddie, Krista (Dionte), Barron, Salvador "Cuatro," Eneida (Nick), Jennifer (David), Luke, and Micah; her great-grandchildren: Layla Faye Karolina, Marcus, Malorie, Matthew, Miliana, and Camila; and numerous nieces, nephews, and godchildren.

Virginia is also survived by MANY others she loved as her own, including her "Comadre" Rachel Fernandez; Don Zimmerman and his family, Jan Rowland, and the employees at Home Elevator of Texas; Helen Elley (Robert), Renita Fuentes, Reinette King, and the members of their prayer-warrior group; Bee Barrera; Marcela Puente (sons Gregory and Izaiah); Barbie Armstrong; Magda Zavala; Lisa Lujan; Steve Jordan; Mike Thompson; Gina Cole; Kat Symthe; Debra Gonzalez; Mike Gonzalez and family; Rick Garcia and parents; and numerous friends of her children whom she also took in as family.

Lovingly referred to as "Virgie," "Pokita," "Momsie," "Mamita," "Grandma," "Teddy Grams," "Grandy," and "Anya," Virginia was a selfless, loving, and diverse matriarch. Her childhood activities and pastimes cultivated life-long interests and dedication to them: while very young, she performed as a flamenco dancer; during her teen years, she was a violinist for the San Antonio Junior Symphony; Virgie attended L.W. Fox Technical High School and along with academic accomplishment distinction, she earned accolades while performing in-stage productions of its drama department; in her role as a cheerleader, Virgie boosted supportive morale for "Tech" athletic events. Subsequently, throughout her lifetime, Virgie attended many musical concerts and stage productions; was a prolific (and LOUD!) supporter of her children's and grandchildren's stage and sporting events; and enjoyed motion pictures, especially classic film, on a daily basis.

So great was her love for worshiping the Lord, issuing gratitude for God's many blessings to her and her loved ones, and petitioning as intercessor for those in need; Virginia, a life-long and devout Catholic, also regularly engaged in spiritual events and prayer sessions with fellow Christians of differing and non-denominational organizations. She issued much prayer for the deaf community, its supportive churches and local institutions such as Sunshine Cottage (Virginia's daughter Veronica is profoundly deaf); the U.S. Armed Services (especially troops deployed overseas in combat environments); cancer patients and those suffering from life-threatening illnesses; businesses mal-affected by the current virus pandemic; and for the strength, wisdom, and integrity of world leaders.

Originally employed as a licensed practical nurse, Virginia spent time as a homemaker until her children were of an age where she could re-enter the workforce. She returned to academia, honed various business skills, was employed by the Alamo Community College District and subsequently hired by Home Elevator of Texas and worked there for 34 years as Accounts Receivable Manager. She is described having possessed "a very sweet, yet effective, way of getting customers to pay their amounts due." Her presence at the office was further appreciated by many of her colleagues because "she was so respected that everyone would commit to best behavior while in her proximity and even our construction personnel would curb their usual language, to a much more civil tone, when they were around her."

Virginia always dressed impeccably, whether attending a formal event or merely making a trip to the convenience store. Many times impractical, hers was a perpetual application of fashion sense. Throughout adulthood, she was seen always in heels. As frailness emerged and her sure-footedness declined, Virginia succumbed to the wishes of her loved ones to dress more comfortably and choose more functional footwear. Even so, the pullover shirts, slacks, and sneakers she begrudgingly donned always possessed the required "bling" she was so well-known for.

An excellent cook, Virgie invited many friends to her dinner table. Amongst her most requested dishes were southern-fried chicken and biscuits, steak plate with all the fixin's, and carne guisada which she provided with homemade tortillas. Admittedly, her prowess for producing wonderful desserts was initiated by her desire to enjoy them; hers was a notoriously well-known sweet tooth. Virgie's German chocolate cake was legendary to family and friends, but her pineapple upside-down cake, lemon meringue pie and other concocted sweets were never shunned.

Like her mother Carolina, Virgie loved to travel and materialized genuine friendship everywhere she went, with peoples of various cultures, ethnicities, nationalities, vocations and walks of life. At 80+ years of age, Virgie attended fundraisers and campaign events for her dear friends running for office and promotion ceremonies for military officers up to the rank of General; she enjoyed live performances given by artists such as Shakira, Blondie, and Depeche Mode; she supported local businesses, including Julia's Bistro, Jalisco Huentitan Restaurant, The Wax Club, Green Air Company, Ride in Paradise and Bites N Bikes bicycle shops, Cannibal Bicycle Crew, and Philocoffe; and never drifted from her inveterate habit of issuing a donation to anyone that she might encounter asking for such. Accordingly, after having been diagnosed with terminal illness and in the final years of her life, Virgie accrued many more supporters, including internationally renowned recording artists who kept her in thought and prayer. And she consistently acknowledged all of the love she was receiving from family and friends as a paramount factor for her having survived much longer than projected. Those who attended to Virginia in her final days remind her loving supporters how significantly they improved her quality-of-life, even as she was dying. To say that Virgie's physical presence will be missed by many is perhaps as redundant as it is true, but most of her "earthly family" is comforted by knowing that she is now with her God, her mother, and other loved ones who passed before her.

Due to Covid-19 restrictions, Virginia's Rosary, eulogy, and final viewing services were held privately at The Angelus Funeral Home. Her funeral Mass was given at The Basilica of the National Shrine of the Little Flower, and her graveside Rite of Committal was at Fort Sam Houston National Cemetery, where her remains are interred.

"Our Sweet Angel -

We Love You, Mom"

"Selfless Spirit –

Caring Advisor –

Beloved to Many"

"Always A Loving

and Forgiving,

Classy Mother and Lady"

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