December 15, 1941 – May 11, 2025
It is with deep sorrow that we announce the passing of Maria Vivina Perkins-Puentes, who departed this life peacefully on Mother’s Day, May 11, 2025.
Born on December 15, 1941, in Bucaramanga, Colombia, Vivina was a woman of grace, intelligence, and tireless dedication. She earned her architectural degree from the Universidad Nacional de Colombia in 1967, and her passion for learning led her to pursue a master’s degree at Kansas State University after moving to the United States.
Vivina devoted her life to her family, friends, and profession. A gifted architect, she was equally known for her warmth, generosity, and spirited laugh. She was a talented gardener whose vibrant flower beds were a reflection of her care and creativity. She found joy in the simple pleasures of life, especially in the company of dear friends, with whom she loved to play mahjong.
She was an active member of her community, contributing her time and heart to the local garden club, Chamber of Commerce, and Mary Queen Catholic Church.
Vivina was preceded in death by her beloved husband, John Perkins; her parents, Margarita and Juan Puentes; and her brothers, Neftalí and Francisco Puentes.
She is survived by her loving daughter, Kristina Higgs, and son-in-law, Matthew Higgs; her brothers, Bladimir and Luis Puentes; her sisters, Alba Quibodeaux and Ninfa Estevez; and many cherished nieces, nephews, cousins, and lifelong friends.
Vivina’s legacy lives on in the lives she touched with her kindness, strength, and unshakable love for those around her.
Friends are cordially invited to join the family for a visitation on Tuesday, May 20, 2025 at 9:30 A.M. – 10:30 A.M. at Mary Queen Catholic Church 606 Cedarwood Drive, Friendswood, Texas 77546. A rosary will begin at 10:30 A.M. and the funeral service will follow at 11:00 A.M.
6 thoughts on “Maria Vivina Puentes Perkins”
Vivina was an inspiring, devoted, and kind soul, someone whose warmth touched everyone around her. Words fall short of capturing the depth of her generosity and the way she always put others before herself.
We miss her dearly and hold Kristina and Matthew close in our hearts. May Vivina’s love and dedication live on in all of us, as we remember her life, a powerful example of strength, grace, and compassion for women and so many others.
We are deeply proud and grateful to have felt her warmth throughout our lives, and we will continue to be here for you.
With all our love,
Juliana, Luisa, and Camilo
Lake Mary, FL
Vivina,
You, your highly gifted personality and love for God will be higly remembered. Thank you for your company, good humor, and family.
God lives in you, eternally, amen. You and your family are in my thoughts and prayers. 👋
🌺🌺🌺🌺🌺🌺🌺🌺🌺🌺🌺🌺🌺🌺🌺
Kristina y Matthew, un saludo cariñoso de la Familia Bayona Centeno desde BUCARAMANGA COLOMBIA. Somos primos, crecimos juntos y fuimos unidos por ser familia y por el amor filial que siempre nos profesamos. Cada vez que venía a Colombia nos reuníamos pasando ratos muy agradables.Fué una mujer fuerte, amable , muy querida y apreciada por todos, la extrañamos desde ya. Nuestras oraciones por su descanso eterno Un abrazo, grande para ud. Kristina y su esposo Matthew extensivo a Bladimir, Luis Eduardo, Alba Marina y Ninfa Luz. Los amo en el amor de Cristo.
With deep sadness, I mourn the sudden loss of my dear friend Vivina, whom I’ve cherished since we met in 1992. Her unstoppable optimism, kindness, and compassion inspired everyone around her. I miss her terribly and will hold her memory close to my heart forever.
My deepest condolences to Kristina, Matthew, and familia Puentes. Me uno a ustedes con gran cariño y en oración
It is with a sad heart that we send our sincere condolences. I’ve known Vivina for close to 50 years. We’ve been united by friendship, sorrow with the death of John and for the love of gardening. When I step into my beautiful back yard I remember her. It is because of her that I have the plants that put out beautiful blooms that remind me of her beautiful smile and kindness.
I miss her terribly. The world lost a most dedicated person to her church, friends and her family.
She worried so much for Kristina. I am here for her or her family. Love and sincere condolences.
Acompañándolos desde Bucaramanga en estos momentos difíciles, especialmente a su hija Cristina y su esposo, a sus hermanos Bladimir, Luis Eduardo,Alba Marina y Ninfa Luz, por la partida de nuestra prima Vivina a quien recordamos por su sonrisa, ternura y familiaridad. Descanse en paz .