Virginia Fulgueras Gabriel - Obituary

irginia Fulgueras Gabriel was the beloved wife of Dionisio Aglibot Gabriel. Born in San Marcelino. Zambales, Philippines, she was the youngest daughter of Maria Calaje and Eulalio Fulgueras, sister to the late Luisa F. Arlante, Buenaventura F. Sarmiento, Elena F. Mendones, Antonio C. Fulgueras, Catalina F. Navarro, Magdalena F. Ancheta and Pelagia C. Fulgueras. She is survived by two siblings Efigenia F. Quimen and Salvador C. Fulgueras, her daughter Virginia Gabriel Wallace, son-in-law David James Wallace, a host of dear family members, friends and loyal, personal caregiver Jacqueline Truman. Education was always a top priority for her. She even assisted nieces and nephews with their educational pursuits. After graduating from high school, she worked as a math tutor while studying diligently at the University of the Philippines. In June of 1955, she received a certificate for Apprentice in Pharmacy. In April of 1959, she received a Bachelor of Science degree and in December of that year was granted a license to practice pharmacy in the Philippines. On April 16th, 1960, she married her sweetheart Dionisio Aglibot Gabriel. The newlyweds were separated briefly due to his military service in the US Navy, but they would correspond through numerous cards and letters until they were reunited in 1961. After having their only child in 1962, she wished to resume a pharmacy career in the United States. She trained and worked in the field at Hadley Memorial Hospital and Rexall Drug in Washington, DC while going to college and being a mother. She earned a second Bachelor of Science degree in August of 1966 from Howard University, in February 1967 was granted a pharmacy license by the Board of Pharmacy in the District of Columbia, proudly received her Certificate of Naturalization in March of 1972 and in June 1973 earned a license from the Board of Pharmacy by the State of Maryland. As a long standing, active member of the American Pharmaceutical Association, she worked as a Registered Pharmacist at retail pharmacies People’s Drug stores, CVS Pharmacy, Drug Emporium and Shoppers Food Warehouse. She trained and encouraged young pharmacists over many decades. She retired briefly due to health issues, but completed continuing education pharmacy courses to maintain her pharmacy licenses. She returned to work full-time at CVS Pharmacy in Oxon Hill, MD until requesting full retirement several years later. Along with her husband, she assisted family and kabayan who emigrated from the Philippines to the United States. Her interests included reading, playing the piano, organ and ukulele, singing, dancing, traveling and collecting jewelry. Our family wishes to acknowledge and extend most sincere thanks for the comforting expressions of condolence. Your kindness is greatly appreciated and remains a source of strength during this time of reflection and remembrance. Services will be held at KALAS FUNERAL HOME & CREMATORY in Oxon Hill, MD on May 1st, 2:00-6:00 PM, with a funeral mass to be held at St. Columba Catholic Church in Oxon Hill, MD on May 2nd at 10:00 AM. Internment will be at Arlington National Cemetery at a later date.