Virginia (Gina) Mendiola Martinez, age 81, of San Antonio, entered into eternal rest on Sunday, March 18, 2018.  Virginia was born on September 24, 1936 in San Antonio, Texas to Virginia Miorelli and Bruno Garza.  Virginia is survived by her brother, Anthony Garza and his wife, Suzel of Dallas, Texas; her daughter, Laura Nunn and husband Paul; grandchild, Eden; four step-children, Albert Martinez (Mary Ann); Irma Lemley, Hilda Futterman (Sandy), Susan Mendez (Ralph) and numerous step-grandchildren and great-grandchildren, nieces, nephews, precious cousins and other extended family members and special friends.  She was preceded in death by her late husbands, Frank Mendiola (1988) and I.O. Martinez (2009); and her brother, Giovanni Garza (2005).

Gina cultivated a strong work ethic in her early teen years, first at the candy counter at McCrory's, and as a telemarketer for a local insurance company, while attending Fox Tech.  At age 19, while awaiting an interview for the City of San Antonio Budget Department, she was approached by then SAFD Chief Butler, who immediately hired her on site.

Besides her own immediate and tight-knit family, this was the "family" that she grew up with that influenced her adult life, her beloved San Antonio Fire Department (SAFD).  Throughout her 41 years, that spanned seven fire chiefs, she happily provided not only her keen admin talent, but also provided the department and City Management with guidance and direction, influencing the careers of many for generations.   She fostered an efficient, yet close-knit work environment.

Virginia served as President of the International Sorority in the 1960's.  This club provided a social forum for young women of diverse backgrounds to learn social graces and network.  She was also an active member of the Italian community which centered around San Francesco Di Paola Church, of which her grandparents were founding members.   She took an active role in the Altar & Rosary Society, the Christopher Columbus Ladies Auxiliary and the Children of Mary.  She occasionally assisted with the rolling of the meatballs and during her youth, assisted with many of the church Spaghetti Dinners.

On July 13, 1963, she married Frank Mendiola, and together they made many fun-filled memories with family and friends, taking numerous road trips and vacations to Las Vegas, up until Frank's death in 1988.  After Frank's death, she focused her attention to her work with the SAFD, taking care of her mother and daughter, and enjoying bingo.

In 2000, she married Isidore (I.O.) Martinez, retired SA Fire Chief, and together, they made many lasting memories by traveling the world on numerous cruises, frequent trips to the Texas coast and spontaneous day trips across Texas.

In March of 2003, the love of Virginia's life was born, her granddaughter, Eden Danelle Nunn.  This officially changed her role into that of a loving "Noni".  From that point on, most of her life revolved around her granddaughter, enjoying every phase of Eden's life, including being the target of mischievous pranks.

Virginia had a kind and giving heart and never could say no to anyone in need.  Her most favorite time of year was Christmas, where she was known to gift people with dozens of tamales.  She truly enjoyed making others happy by gifting, feeding or both.

FUNERAL SERVICES

Thursday, March 22, 2018

Visitation at 6:00 pm

Rosary recited at 7:00 pm

San Francesco di Paola

Catholic Church

205 Piazza Italia

Friday, March 23, 2018

Visitation at 12:00 pm

Funeral Mass offered 1:00 pm

San Francesco Di Paola

Catholic Church

205 Piazza Italia

Interment

immediately following mass

Mission Park North

MEMORIAL CONTRIBUTIONS

If you would like to make a donation

in Gina's memory,

please make the donation to

the preservation of

San Francesco Di Paola

Catholic Church

205 Piazza Italia

San Antonio, TX 78205