Virginia Tarraza Obituary - Visitation & Funeral Information

Virginia (Rosario) Tarraza passed away unexpectedly at home on May 1, 2022, she was 91. A native of Bayamon Puerto Rico, Virginia was born June 24, 1930 to the late Juan and Benita Rosario. She is also predeceased by her four siblings, Katalina, Ignacio, Ismael, and Gregoria. Virginia met her future husband and love of her life, Hector Tarraza Sr. when she was in fifth grade. They married in 1953 when Hector returned from the Korean war. She became a dutiful army wife, traveled throughout the US and around the world for 21 years of service before returning to Puerto Rico settling in San Juan. Virginia remained in Puerto Rico until 2017 when she moved to Maine following Puerto Rico’s devastation from hurricane Maria. She had survived many hurricanes, earthquakes and other natural disasters however hurricane Maria, left her without electricity for several months with minimal supplies. Despite this, Virginia never complained, willingly shared her resources including the sole neighborhood generator with her neighbors and friends making sure everyone had food and provisions to survive. Virginia always cared for others when in need, hurricane Maria was no different. Lack of resources, along with her age and failing health ultimately brought her to Maine where she resided with her son Dr. Hector Tarraza and her granddaughter Taylor who became her devoted caretaker. She spent these last years of her life as a bright light in the lives of so many, becoming the adopted “Abuela” to extended family, and friends. She loved teaching the children Spanish and reminding all of us of her times of Christmas in Hawaii with her patented recitation of “Mele Kalikimaka” (Merry Christmas in Hawaiian). Virginia loved life, beautifying her home with elaborate gardens and treasures, and gifting to others. She loved to dance and sing; she was always the life of the party. The week prior to her death she celebrated at a family party singing Happy Birthday in Spanish to her dear friend Paula DeCain. Virginia leaves behind her two sons Hector Jr. of Westbrook, ME, Carlos of Phil, PA, grandchildren JoAnn Tarraza and her husband Randu Dominuez of the Dominican Republic, Fr William Tarraza, OFM-Cap, of Boston MA, Taylor Tarraza of Westbrook ME, brother in law Jorge Tarraza of Puerto Rico, great grandchild Raduan Dominguez, of Dominican Republic, many nieces, nephews and friends in Puerto Rico, and her beloved friends and family in Maine, New Hampshire and Massachusetts. Also, the family would like to thank Dr. Eleni Nackos, her nurses and staff who took special care of her during her cancer treatment, in Virginia’s words “they made me a queen”. A funeral mass will be celebrated by her grandson Fr William Tarraza on June 4 at 11 am at St Bartholomew’s church in Cape Elizabeth ME. Burial will be at a later date in the (military) National Cemetery of Puerto Rico where she will be laid to rest with her husband. In lieu of flowers donations in her honor to the recently dedicated CMMC Cancer Care Center.

Virginia Tarraza

June 24, 1930 - May 1, 2022