Virginia Bijarro

1951 - 2021

Virginia Gallardo was born in Monroe on December 24, 1951. She was one of sixteen children born from the union of Jesse and Maria Consepcion (Ramirez) Gallardo.
Virginia married Ignacio Bijarro Sr. and the couple would be blessed with three boys and fostered two girls. Being a homemaker, with so many mouths to feed, Virginia spent much of her time in the kitchen. She had a passion for cooking and fed everyone regardless of whether they were actually hungry. Among many things, Virginia, made the best homemade tortillas in Monroe County, and had dreamed of opening her own restaurant one day.
Family was everything to Virginia. A "mom" to many, she had a caregiver's heart and provided for her children, their friends, and especially for her parents as they aged, of whom she took care of for eight plus years. The children to this day still banter about who is her favorite.
When Virginia was not in the kitchen, you could find her watching her telenovela's (Mexican soap operas). She also liked watching the Detroit Tigers and the Los Angeles Lakers. Virginia loved going to Bingo at the Odd Fellows, Knights of Columbus, or various places around Toledo. Virginia was skilled in shooting pool, winning numerous championships, and a pool shark on the side. No matter where she went or what she was doing, she always looked her best with her signature blue eyeliner and mascara.
Virginia Bijarro, age 69, of Erie, passed away on Thursday, January 21, 2021, at ProMedica Monroe Regional Hospital.
In addition to her parents, her passing was preceded by her former late husband, Ignacio; and two brothers, Jesse Gallardo Jr. and Roberto Gallardo Sr.
To cherish her memory, Virginia leaves five children: Ignacio (Stephanie) Bijarro Jr., Zak (Kristina) Bijarro Sr., Micheal (Tara) Bijarro, Allison Gallardo (Craig Miller) and Sara Bijarro; thirteen siblings: Angelita (Helen) Lopez, Marcelino Gallardo, Mary Lou (Joe) Flores-Briones, Joseph (Dolly) Gallardo, Phyllis (Homer) Shields, Alegandro (Sheila) Gallardo, Lusio (Cindy) Gallardo, Margaret Jeko, Anita Gallardo, Rosemary (Jerry) Narew, Linda Gallardo, Olga (Jim) Williamson and Bobbilove McCullough; grandchildren: Aerielle Bijarro (David Dover), Marissa (Joshua) Liverman, Vanessa Bijarro (Devin Martin-Riley), Zak Bijarro Jr, Alyssa Bijarro, Halie Bijarro, Miracle Bijarro, Peyton Miller; and great-grandchildren: Londyn Dover, Roman Dover, Gabriella Vitale, and Aryiah Bijarro.
Friends may gather on Thursday, January 28, 2021, from 3:00 p.m. until a Celebration of Her Life at 7:00 p.m. at Merkle Funeral Service, North Monroe; 2442 North Monroe Street, Monroe, Michigan 48162 (734) 384-5185. Pastor Rex Jones of Bethany Eagles Nest Church will officiate.
Memorials are suggested to the family and may be made at CROWDFUNDUNG online by visiting www.merklefs.com.