Evangeline "Vangie" L. Henggeler

Evangeline L. Henggeler, 92, beloved mother, grandmother, and friend entered into the glory of her eternal life on Wednesday, Feb. 22, 2017, at Spanish Meadows Nursing Home with her family at her side.

Born in Tampico, Tamps., Mexico, Vangie as she was affectionately known to all, was raised in Brownsville. She graduated from Brownsville High School in 1942. In 1943, Vangie married the love of her life, Louis G. Henggeler, to whom she was married for over 50 years. Vangie worked for Mr. Sweeney at the local Coca-Cola bottling plant for several years. She then became the office manager for Dr. Harry George. Vangie was especially proud of the fact that she was a direct descendant of the founding family of the Canary Islands and proudly wore a lapel pin that made that distinction.

In her spare time, Vangie loved to play cards. She was a devout Catholic and was a longtime parishioner at St. Mary's Catholic Church, where she was an Adoration Minister. Vangie, was the mother of a special child and therefore gave of her time to help special children. She helped Margaret Clark organize a group of volunteers that taught the mentally challenged how to swim. Vangie was a beautiful person inside and out. She was the last of a group of ladies known to some as "Las Pollas" and to others as the "Golden Girls". Vangie was deeply loved and will be profoundly missed not only by her family and friends but by all those fortunate enough to have known her.

Vangie was preceded in death by her husband, Louis G. Henggeler; two sisters, Lydia Leuzler and Martha Champion; and a brother, Francisco "Buster" Longoria.

Vangie is survived by her daughter, Anita Henggeler and her son, Louis R. (Mireya) Henggeler; three grandchildren: Lewis Michael Read, Ana Cristina Henggeler, and Gustav Augustin Henggeler, and several nieces, nephews, and other extended family members.

In accordance with Vangie's wishes she will be cremated. A Memorial Mass will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Monday, Feb. 27, 2017, at St. Mary's Catholic Church, 1914 Barnard Rd. All services will conclude after the Mass and private internment of her cremated remains will follow.

In lieu of flowers, memorial gifts in Vangie's name may be made to St. Mary's Catholic Church.

The family would like to extend a special thank you to The Rio at Fox Hollow, to Spanish Meadows Nursing Home, and to Superior Hospice for the compassionate care given to Vangie.

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