Virginia Carrillo's Obituary
Virginia Carrillo Obituary
January 1, 1949 – June 2, 2025
Virginia Carrillo, a beloved mother, grandmother, Sister and Friend, passed away peacefully on June 2, 2025 at the age of 76. Born on January 1, 1949, in San Bernardino, California, she brought a radiant energy into the world—one that will never be forgotten.
Raised in Colton, Virginia grew up in a larger than life family. Through the good times and bad, her love for them was unwavering. She treasured watching basketball games with her Brothers and chit chatting at Outback with her Sisters. When she got together with family there was always an abundance of childhood stories and memories of her parents, Gilbert and Mary.
Virginia was a mentor to her children. Being a young mother, she showed resilience and strength. Despite her struggles, she obtained her GED, forged a career, and achieved the dream of owning a home all on her own. Although there were many challenges, she created fond memories with her children like coaching her son’s sports teams or having a quiet moment with her daughter reading books side by side on the bed. A devoted matriarch, Virginia was an extraordinary mother who was always there to provide support, guidance, and encouragement. She always seemed to know what to do in any situation and there was always comfort in knowing that she was always there. Above all else, she loved her children always.
Being a grandmother was Virginia’s greatest joy. She was endlessly proud and supportive of her grandchildren—whether she was attending dance performances, cheering at award ceremonies, celebrating milestones, or simply offering kind, uplifting words—her love was a constant, unwavering presence in their lives. Some of the most cherished memories were small traditions like getting manicures, eating out, and spending the day watching movies and shows. Talking with her grandchildren came easy. She was the kind of person you could open up to about anything. And she was funny—sometimes without even meaning to be. She had this natural, effortless way of making you laugh, and being around her always lifted your spirits. She just wasn’t a Grandmother but a friend who gave unconditional love.
Virginia’s personality was bold, vibrant, and unapologetically authentic—a true "Hello, World!" spirit. Fierce yet loving, charismatic yet grounded, she had the rare gift of making everyone around her feel both seen and entertained. Her memory was as sharp as her fashion sense, and her stories—full of detail, heart, and humor.
She retired from retail and took pride in her role as a department manager at Mervyn’s. She was also immensely proud of her independence—her ability to take care of herself, drive her beloved car wherever she pleased, and live life on her own terms.
A homebody at heart, Virginia found joy in the simple, peaceful moments. She loved spending time in her yard; watering her plants and enjoying the birds, the trees, the sky and her wind chimes. Her home was her sanctuary, and she filled it with love, laughter, and plenty of sparkle.
Virginia leaves behind a legacy of enduring love, resilience, strength, laughter, and a lifetime of memories that will be carried in the hearts of those she leaves behind. Though Virginia may no longer be with us in the physical sense, the impact she made on our lives will forever remain.
Virginia was survived by her children, Richard Colunga, Melissa Sanchez, and Peter Carrillo; by her grandchildren, Nathan, Emily, Joseph, Melissa, Richard, Manuel, and Nick ; by her daughter- in- law, Teresa Colunga. She was preceded in death by her son, Ralph Colunga. She also leaves behind great grandchildren, and many extended family and friends.
Please Join Us for a Memorial Service
Date: June 26, 2025
Time: Promptly at 11:00am-1:00pm
Address: Preciado Funeral Home
923 W. Mill Street
San Bernardino, CA 92410
Reception to follow in the Courtyard from 1:00pm-4:30pm
What’s your fondest memory of Virginia?
What’s a lesson you learned from Virginia?
Share a story where Virginia's kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with Virginia you’ll never forget.
How did Virginia make you smile?