• Born:
    • January 13, 1919 to Gabriela Puentes in Paris, Texas.
  • Married:
    • Louis Lianez
  • Children:
    • Emanuel
    • David
    • Judy
    • John
    • Thomas

Antonia (Toni) Consuelo Vargas Lianez was an amazing and loving wife, mother and community and church member. She was incredibly intelligent and passed her love of music, art, reading and education to her children and grandchildren that knew her. Everyone that knew and met her felt her love and deep compassion for her fellow man. She possessed a deep faith in God and had an amazing capacity for love and caring that she demonstrated with her family and in her work in the church and community. She loved all people without question or boundary. The words and wisdom that she passed on to me, and that I have strived to live by, have guided my life and actions both personally and professionally.

” People will forget you if you are rich or even become famous. What people will always remember is how you treated them and if you were a good person.” Tom Lianez, December 16, 2024

Antonia Vargas at her first communion. She had a very strong Catholic faith which she would carry throughout her life. At one point she considered becoming a nun.

Antonia and her father, Juan Vargas. She always had great stories about him, his love of nature and attributed her love of the outdoors and animals to him. He was also a strong influence on her faith and love of people.

Antonia with her cousin and friend. She grew up in migrant camps and had many stories about life in the fields. She would frequently recall the smell of the earth and the feeling of accomplishment from a good day’s work. Not looking at it as a hard life but appreciating what her family had.

Antonia and her graduating class at Hoaglin Jackson HS near Van Wert. She was the only Mexican in the class and remembered facing a bias and bullying yet she excelled academically, belonged to a number of student groups, held offices and was preparing to go to college to become a teacher. Antonia is in the 2nd row, 3rd from left. 1940.

Antonia Vargas in a migrant camp.

Antonia’s plans for college took a different run when her parents arranged a marriage to Louis Lianez. They grew in love, raised five children, buried parents and built a life on Vine Street. She had a deep love for Louis and admired his dedication and willingness to work multiple jobs for his family. She worked just as hard and gave up her plans of teaching to raise her children and work as a house keeper to provide for the family. Eventually she would teach adult education at the local vocational school. She loved every moment of it.

Antonia, John, Judy, Emmanuel and David Lianez @ the Field Museum in Chicago circa 1953.

Antonia and children out side of the original Saint Mary’s Church in Van Wert. Her faith made her a silent pillar for the family and her strength was passed to her children. She never complained and gave each of us a love of learning, compassion for people and belief in strong family.

Antonia and Louis Lianez visiting Basilica and National Shrine of Our Lady of Consolation in Carey Ohio. Our family made many trips to Carey and the Shrine over the years. This is Brother Cyprian from Mexico. Antonia and Louis were his sponsors in the U.S.. We were VIP guests at his ordination into the priesthood a few years after this picture was taken.
Antonia Lianez after church in Carey, Ohio.

Antonia and Louis. She loved this picture and kept it on her desk for decades. I’m sure she would be happy it is included as part of her story. I’m glad it has endured after all these years. It captures the warmth of their love and the smiles that always appeared on their faces even in the worst of times.

Tom Lianez, December 20, 2024.