Samantha Margi (Riggins) Lugo-Principe, age 54, passed away on Friday, March 13, 2026, at The University Medical Center of El Paso.

A devoted mother, sister, aunt, and friend, Samantha’s life was defined by her unwavering dedication to those she loved. She found her greatest joy in the simple pleasures of life: a profound love for music, singing, and dancing, and a deep appreciation for nature and gardening. She also cherished traveling to new destinations and creating memories in the kitchen through her passion for cooking.

Her children will forever cherish her as their most loyal supporter. Samantha never missed a moment—from cheering at games and track meets to attending concerts and assisting with fundraisers. She believed no milestone was too small to celebrate and was a constant, loving presence in every chapter of their lives. She leaves behind a legacy of faith and affection, famously concluding every phone call or goodbye with her signature blessing: "I love you, and God bless you."

Samantha was preceded in death by her father, Cedro Riggins Jr., her sister, Jeannette Fernandez, and nephews, Avery Cruz Fernandez and Adam Rudy Riggins.

Her memory will be kept alive by her son, Jonathan Mendez; her daughter, Zamyra Lugo-Principe; and her mother, Guadalupe Garcia, and stepfather, Faustino Hernandez. Her brothers also survive her: Cedro Riggins III and wife Debbie, Tony Fernandez, and Vincent Fernandez and wife Nicole; her sister, Melissa Ortiz; numerous beloved aunts, uncles, nieces, and nephews; and her precious "fuzzy companions," Zoey and Gizmo.

A visitation to celebrate Samantha’s life will be held at 1:00 pm. and service at 2:00 pm, Wednesday, March 25th, at Waco Memorial Funeral Home.