VIRGINIA LEE SOUZA

Virginia Lee Souza, 89, passed away peacefully on August 11, 2026, just seven weeks after the passing of her beloved husband, Clifford Souza. Virginia was born on December 22, 1936, in Santa Maria, California, the oldest of five children born to Albino and Evelyn Barca.

Virginia grew up on the Barca Ranch in Orcutt, a place that remained very special to her throughout her life. She loved talking about her childhood memories of working alongside her brothers and sisters, baling hay and hoeing bean fields during the summer. She loved riding their horse, Poncho, and looked forward every year to the Barca cattle branding. These were memories she treasured.

Virginia attended Orcutt Elementary School and graduated from Santa Maria High School in 1954. That same year, on September 5, she married Clifford Joseph Souza. They would spend the next 71 years together, building a life on the Souza family ranch and raising their three children.

Virginia was a loving wife and mother who was always involved in her children’s lives. She was active in the Bonita School PTA and served as a Girl Scout leader. Once her children were in school, Virginia discovered a talent and passion for art that would become an important part of her life.

She began taking oil painting classes and soon became an accomplished artist. Over the years, she enjoyed oil painting, watercolor, china painting, and porcelain doll making. Later in life, one of her favorite things was attending her weekly doll class in Nipomo, where she made porcelain dolls and, just as importantly, enjoyed the friendship and laughter of her “lady friends.” Together, they even formed an investment group called “All for a Doll-r.”

Virginia was also a talented seamstress. She made the dresses for her porcelain dolls, as well as her daughters’ dance recital costumes and many of her grandchildren’s Halloween costumes and school dress-up outfits. Her sewing machine was always out. If someone needed a hem fixed, a zipper repaired, or a costume made, Virginia was the person to call—and she was always happy to help.

Virginia and Clifford loved to travel and camp in their motorhome, especially when they could share those adventures with family and friends. In 1977, they purchased a home at Nacimiento Lake. Their “lake house” quickly became one of the happiest places in their family’s lives.

The door at the Souza lake house was always open. Family and friends seemed to naturally gather there, knowing there would be good food, the BBQ pit going, drinks flowing, plenty of laughter, and Virginia and Clifford ready to welcome everyone. Some of the family’s most cherished memories were made at that lake house.

But more than anything, Virginia loved her family.

She cherished her five grandchildren and especially loved picking them up from school and spending time with them. She loved watching them grow, celebrating their accomplishments, helping with their costumes and projects, and simply being part of their lives. She was a grandmother who made time for her grandchildren, and they knew how much they were loved.

Virginia is survived by her son and daughter-in-law, Daryl and Cindy Souza; daughter, Karen Souza; and daughter and son-in-law, Lisa and Ray Bognuda. She leaves behind her five grandchildren, Adam (Jessica) Souza, Dusty (Danielle) Souza, Ryan (Brandi) Bognuda, Kevy (Jason) Mendes, and Brianna (Eric) Farmer; and her 11 great-grandchildren, Montgomery and Weston Souza, Dally Souza, Fallon, Sage and Reed Bognuda, Griffin, Beau, Sheppard and Ellery Mendes, and Tinley Farmer.

She is also survived by her sisters, Carol Bosio and Janice (Glenn) Battles, along with numerous nieces and nephews.

Virginia was preceded in death by her parents, Albino and Evelyn Barca, and her brothers, Gerald “Jerry” Barca and Charles “Chuck” Barca.

Virginia leaves behind much more than memories. She leaves behind the love she gave to her family, the things she created with her own hands, the traditions she helped build, and the countless stories that will be told about her for generations to come.

For 71 years, Virginia and Clifford shared a life filled with family, friendship, laughter, travel, and love. Their lives were so intertwined that it is difficult to think of one without the other. Just seven weeks after Clifford’s passing, Virginia joined her beloved husband again.

There is great sadness in losing them both so close together, but there is also comfort in knowing that after a lifetime spent side by side, they are together again.

Visitation will be held at the Chapel of Magner-Maloney Funeral Home from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. on Monday, August 17, 2026. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10:00 a.m. on Tuesday, August 18, 2026, at St. Louis de Montfort Church. Interment will follow at Santa Maria Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Mission Hope Cancer Center or to the charity of your choice.

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