Virginia Soto

1930-2022

Virginia Soto, 91, passed away in her sleep on July 29, 2022.

She was born on Aug. 16, 1930, to Pelagio Lucero and Isidora (Castillo) Lucero in Magdalena, N.M.

Virginia was blessed with a big heart, quick wit and sharp tongue. She was a lifelong resident of Socorro.

After graduating from Socorro High School, she married her honey, Arturo Soto. They enjoyed a long-lasting, happy marriage.

Some of her favorite recollections were of their weekend road trips all over New Mexico, which were filled with laughter and delicious candy bars.

She doted on her children and grandchildren. She loved kids.

She never hesitated to take in a child in need, including nephews, nieces and family friends. Decades back, a family member was reminiscing about a colorful nephew: his Auntie Virgie’s tongue-lashing was sharp; however, the bail was paid.

Once her nest emptied, she discovered true joy: employment. Her career as a case worker at the New Mexico Department of Human Services was very rewarding.

It is not work if you love what you do. She was there many years before illness forced her retirement.

Virginia is predeceased by her parents, Pelagio and Isidora Lucero; husband, Arturo Soto; grandsons Francisco Luis “Louie” Tafoya II and Kevin Gonzales; siblings Josephina Peralta, Lorenzo Lucero, Julian Lucero and Manuel Lucero. She is survived by her daughters, Christina Torres and Henrietta Tafoya; granddaughters, Jennifer Gonzales and Rebekah Tafoya; great-granddaughter, Shanee Tafoya; and many nephews and nieces.

On Tuesday, Aug. 9, 2022, recitation of the Rosary will be at 9:30 a.m., followed by the Funeral Mass at 10 a.m. at San Miguel Church in Socorro, New Mexico.

LOTS OF LOVE TO YOU, GRANDMA. WE’LL SEE YOU ON THE OTHER SIDE.

El Defensor Chieftain