Virginia S. Daetz (née McNeil)
Resident of Redwood City
Virginia Sarah Daetz slid quietly into the arms of Jesus, her beloved Savior, the morning of October 31, 2015.
Born just before Christmas 1913, Virginia experienced a world of changes in her almost 102 years. Through ups and downs, she maintained her steadfast faith, an attitude of gratitude, and a loving and generous heart. Virginia is sorely missed by family and friends.
She is survived by sons Douglas (Gisela) and Denney, 8 grandchildren, and 12 great-grandchildren. Second husband Robert Daetz, daughter-in-law Laura, mother Martha, and long-time friends Kitty Ammiro and Blanche Walsh are key loved ones she gets to see again in heaven.
Virginia was born in Portsmouth, VA, to James R. McNeil and Martha Denney McNeil. Her father died when she was eight years old. Her mother remarried, to James S. Morgan. Virginia was a good student and graduated high school in 1929. The stock market crash and economic collapse dashed her hopes of attending college after high school. Her parents, who had followed jobs north to Baltimore and then Brooklyn during Virginia's high school years, could only help her attend a business college for 6 months to learn secretarial skills. Virginia quickly acquired typing and shorthand proficiency and supported herself with secretarial jobs in New York City, including at the 1939 New York World's Fair. In 1938 she married Alfred A. Anastasia. He was called to active duty in the U.S. Navy in Rhode Island shortly before their first son, Douglas, was born in Providence in September 1941. When Mr. Anastasia was deployed to the Pacific Theater in 1942, Virginia moved back to Brooklyn with Douglas to live with her parents. In 1944, Mr. Anastasia resettled the family in Redwood City (RWC) before returning to the war in the Pacific. Their second son, Denney, was born in March 1945 in Palo Alto Hospital.
After the end of WW II, Virginia and Al operated an import-export business and a gift shop in San Mateo. Partly due to a 95-day shipping strike in 1948, the businesses failed, and shortly after also the marriage. Virginia found secretarial jobs, first in SF and then with San Mateo County to keep herself and her sons housed and fed. She is eternally grateful to all those who helped her get through this emotionally- and economically-difficult period. Virginia was proud to have worked for 27 years as Executive Secretary to San Mateo County's Director of Public Health and Welfare (first for Dr. Harold D. Chope and then Dr. George E. Pickett).
Fortunes brightened for Virginia when she met Robert E. Daetz in SF. They were married in July 1952, a marriage that lasted until Robert's death in 1998. For several years Virginia used her creativity and skill with words to win many prizes – including a new 1955 Buick. With friend Les Tatton, she compiled a Word Bank book of non-trite words to help contesters give punch to their entries. Later, SCRABBLE ™ was her favorite game.
Virginia and Bob loved to travel both in the U.S. and abroad. They helped finance new Christian ministries in the Philippines and Taiwan. For pure fun they liked Rio de Janeiro. Virginia's last major trip – in October 2014 at almost 101 – was to Kentucky to see how the Christian Appalachian Project used her donations.
At age 58 while still working, Virginia started taking classes at Cañada College. Shortly after retiring at age 62, she completed an AA degree there. Then she took up oil painting with a focus on flowers and landscapes.
Virginia and her family were members of Redeemer Lutheran Church in RWC until about 30 years ago when she and Bob joined Peninsula Covenant Church (PCC) in RWC. For many years Virginia participated in Bible studies and prayer and care group activities there.
A celebration of Virginia's life will be held at PCC (3560 Farm Hill Blvd, RWC) on December 19, 2015 at 1:00PM. Donations in memory of Virginia may be made to the Akwaaba Foundation (16315 Winchester Club Dr., Meadow Vista, CA 95722 -- an education non-profit Denney founded), The Navigators (P.O. Box 6079, Albert Lea, MN 56007-6679; Designation #23825303), Christian Appalachian Project (P.O. Box 55911, Lexington, KY 40555-5911), or PCC.
Published in San Jose Mercury News/San Mateo County Times on Dec. 2, 2015.
Resident of Redwood City
Virginia Sarah Daetz slid quietly into the arms of Jesus, her beloved Savior, the morning of October 31, 2015.
Born just before Christmas 1913, Virginia experienced a world of changes in her almost 102 years. Through ups and downs, she maintained her steadfast faith, an attitude of gratitude, and a loving and generous heart. Virginia is sorely missed by family and friends.
She is survived by sons Douglas (Gisela) and Denney, 8 grandchildren, and 12 great-grandchildren. Second husband Robert Daetz, daughter-in-law Laura, mother Martha, and long-time friends Kitty Ammiro and Blanche Walsh are key loved ones she gets to see again in heaven.
Virginia was born in Portsmouth, VA, to James R. McNeil and Martha Denney McNeil. Her father died when she was eight years old. Her mother remarried, to James S. Morgan. Virginia was a good student and graduated high school in 1929. The stock market crash and economic collapse dashed her hopes of attending college after high school. Her parents, who had followed jobs north to Baltimore and then Brooklyn during Virginia's high school years, could only help her attend a business college for 6 months to learn secretarial skills. Virginia quickly acquired typing and shorthand proficiency and supported herself with secretarial jobs in New York City, including at the 1939 New York World's Fair. In 1938 she married Alfred A. Anastasia. He was called to active duty in the U.S. Navy in Rhode Island shortly before their first son, Douglas, was born in Providence in September 1941. When Mr. Anastasia was deployed to the Pacific Theater in 1942, Virginia moved back to Brooklyn with Douglas to live with her parents. In 1944, Mr. Anastasia resettled the family in Redwood City (RWC) before returning to the war in the Pacific. Their second son, Denney, was born in March 1945 in Palo Alto Hospital.
After the end of WW II, Virginia and Al operated an import-export business and a gift shop in San Mateo. Partly due to a 95-day shipping strike in 1948, the businesses failed, and shortly after also the marriage. Virginia found secretarial jobs, first in SF and then with San Mateo County to keep herself and her sons housed and fed. She is eternally grateful to all those who helped her get through this emotionally- and economically-difficult period. Virginia was proud to have worked for 27 years as Executive Secretary to San Mateo County's Director of Public Health and Welfare (first for Dr. Harold D. Chope and then Dr. George E. Pickett).
Fortunes brightened for Virginia when she met Robert E. Daetz in SF. They were married in July 1952, a marriage that lasted until Robert's death in 1998. For several years Virginia used her creativity and skill with words to win many prizes – including a new 1955 Buick. With friend Les Tatton, she compiled a Word Bank book of non-trite words to help contesters give punch to their entries. Later, SCRABBLE ™ was her favorite game.
Virginia and Bob loved to travel both in the U.S. and abroad. They helped finance new Christian ministries in the Philippines and Taiwan. For pure fun they liked Rio de Janeiro. Virginia's last major trip – in October 2014 at almost 101 – was to Kentucky to see how the Christian Appalachian Project used her donations.
At age 58 while still working, Virginia started taking classes at Cañada College. Shortly after retiring at age 62, she completed an AA degree there. Then she took up oil painting with a focus on flowers and landscapes.
Virginia and her family were members of Redeemer Lutheran Church in RWC until about 30 years ago when she and Bob joined Peninsula Covenant Church (PCC) in RWC. For many years Virginia participated in Bible studies and prayer and care group activities there.
A celebration of Virginia's life will be held at PCC (3560 Farm Hill Blvd, RWC) on December 19, 2015 at 1:00PM. Donations in memory of Virginia may be made to the Akwaaba Foundation (16315 Winchester Club Dr., Meadow Vista, CA 95722 -- an education non-profit Denney founded), The Navigators (P.O. Box 6079, Albert Lea, MN 56007-6679; Designation #23825303), Christian Appalachian Project (P.O. Box 55911, Lexington, KY 40555-5911), or PCC.
Published in San Jose Mercury News/San Mateo County Times on Dec. 2, 2015.
Virginia S. Daetz (née McNeil)
Resident of Redwood City
Virginia Sarah Daetz slid quietly into the arms of Jesus, her beloved Savior, the morning of October 31, 2015.
Born just before Christmas 1913, Virginia experienced a world of changes in her almost 102 years. Through ups and downs, she maintained her steadfast faith, an attitude of gratitude, and a loving and generous heart. Virginia is sorely missed by family and friends.
She is survived by sons Douglas (Gisela) and Denney, 8 grandchildren, and 12 great-grandchildren. Second husband Robert Daetz, daughter-in-law Laura, mother Martha, and long-time friends Kitty Ammiro and Blanche Walsh are key loved ones she gets to see again in heaven.
Virginia was born in Portsmouth, VA, to James R. McNeil and Martha Denney McNeil. Her father died when she was eight years old. Her mother remarried, to James S. Morgan. Virginia was a good student and graduated high school in 1929. The stock market crash and economic collapse dashed her hopes of attending college after high school. Her parents, who had followed jobs north to Baltimore and then Brooklyn during Virginia's high school years, could only help her attend a business college for 6 months to learn secretarial skills. Virginia quickly acquired typing and shorthand proficiency and supported herself with secretarial jobs in New York City, including at the 1939 New York World's Fair. In 1938 she married Alfred A. Anastasia. He was called to active duty in the U.S. Navy in Rhode Island shortly before their first son, Douglas, was born in Providence in September 1941. When Mr. Anastasia was deployed to the Pacific Theater in 1942, Virginia moved back to Brooklyn with Douglas to live with her parents. In 1944, Mr. Anastasia resettled the family in Redwood City (RWC) before returning to the war in the Pacific. Their second son, Denney, was born in March 1945 in Palo Alto Hospital.
After the end of WW II, Virginia and Al operated an import-export business and a gift shop in San Mateo. Partly due to a 95-day shipping strike in 1948, the businesses failed, and shortly after also the marriage. Virginia found secretarial jobs, first in SF and then with San Mateo County to keep herself and her sons housed and fed. She is eternally grateful to all those who helped her get through this emotionally- and economically-difficult period. Virginia was proud to have worked for 27 years as Executive Secretary to San Mateo County's Director of Public Health and Welfare (first for Dr. Harold D. Chope and then Dr. George E. Pickett).
Fortunes brightened for Virginia when she met Robert E. Daetz in SF. They were married in July 1952, a marriage that lasted until Robert's death in 1998. For several years Virginia used her creativity and skill with words to win many prizes – including a new 1955 Buick. With friend Les Tatton, she compiled a Word Bank book of non-trite words to help contesters give punch to their entries. Later, SCRABBLE ™ was her favorite game.
Virginia and Bob loved to travel both in the U.S. and abroad. They helped finance new Christian ministries in the Philippines and Taiwan. For pure fun they liked Rio de Janeiro. Virginia's last major trip – in October 2014 at almost 101 – was to Kentucky to see how the Christian Appalachian Project used her donations.
At age 58 while still working, Virginia started taking classes at Cañada College. Shortly after retiring at age 62, she completed an AA degree there. Then she took up oil painting with a focus on flowers and landscapes.
Virginia and her family were members of Redeemer Lutheran Church in RWC until about 30 years ago when she and Bob joined Peninsula Covenant Church (PCC) in RWC. For many years Virginia participated in Bible studies and prayer and care group activities there.
A celebration of Virginia's life will be held at PCC (3560 Farm Hill Blvd, RWC) on December 19, 2015 at 1:00PM. Donations in memory of Virginia may be made to the Akwaaba Foundation (16315 Winchester Club Dr., Meadow Vista, CA 95722 -- an education non-profit Denney founded), The Navigators (P.O. Box 6079, Albert Lea, MN 56007-6679; Designation #23825303), Christian Appalachian Project (P.O. Box 55911, Lexington, KY 40555-5911), or PCC.
Published in San Jose Mercury News/San Mateo County Times on Dec. 2, 2015.
Resident of Redwood City
Virginia Sarah Daetz slid quietly into the arms of Jesus, her beloved Savior, the morning of October 31, 2015.
Born just before Christmas 1913, Virginia experienced a world of changes in her almost 102 years. Through ups and downs, she maintained her steadfast faith, an attitude of gratitude, and a loving and generous heart. Virginia is sorely missed by family and friends.
She is survived by sons Douglas (Gisela) and Denney, 8 grandchildren, and 12 great-grandchildren. Second husband Robert Daetz, daughter-in-law Laura, mother Martha, and long-time friends Kitty Ammiro and Blanche Walsh are key loved ones she gets to see again in heaven.
Virginia was born in Portsmouth, VA, to James R. McNeil and Martha Denney McNeil. Her father died when she was eight years old. Her mother remarried, to James S. Morgan. Virginia was a good student and graduated high school in 1929. The stock market crash and economic collapse dashed her hopes of attending college after high school. Her parents, who had followed jobs north to Baltimore and then Brooklyn during Virginia's high school years, could only help her attend a business college for 6 months to learn secretarial skills. Virginia quickly acquired typing and shorthand proficiency and supported herself with secretarial jobs in New York City, including at the 1939 New York World's Fair. In 1938 she married Alfred A. Anastasia. He was called to active duty in the U.S. Navy in Rhode Island shortly before their first son, Douglas, was born in Providence in September 1941. When Mr. Anastasia was deployed to the Pacific Theater in 1942, Virginia moved back to Brooklyn with Douglas to live with her parents. In 1944, Mr. Anastasia resettled the family in Redwood City (RWC) before returning to the war in the Pacific. Their second son, Denney, was born in March 1945 in Palo Alto Hospital.
After the end of WW II, Virginia and Al operated an import-export business and a gift shop in San Mateo. Partly due to a 95-day shipping strike in 1948, the businesses failed, and shortly after also the marriage. Virginia found secretarial jobs, first in SF and then with San Mateo County to keep herself and her sons housed and fed. She is eternally grateful to all those who helped her get through this emotionally- and economically-difficult period. Virginia was proud to have worked for 27 years as Executive Secretary to San Mateo County's Director of Public Health and Welfare (first for Dr. Harold D. Chope and then Dr. George E. Pickett).
Fortunes brightened for Virginia when she met Robert E. Daetz in SF. They were married in July 1952, a marriage that lasted until Robert's death in 1998. For several years Virginia used her creativity and skill with words to win many prizes – including a new 1955 Buick. With friend Les Tatton, she compiled a Word Bank book of non-trite words to help contesters give punch to their entries. Later, SCRABBLE ™ was her favorite game.
Virginia and Bob loved to travel both in the U.S. and abroad. They helped finance new Christian ministries in the Philippines and Taiwan. For pure fun they liked Rio de Janeiro. Virginia's last major trip – in October 2014 at almost 101 – was to Kentucky to see how the Christian Appalachian Project used her donations.
At age 58 while still working, Virginia started taking classes at Cañada College. Shortly after retiring at age 62, she completed an AA degree there. Then she took up oil painting with a focus on flowers and landscapes.
Virginia and her family were members of Redeemer Lutheran Church in RWC until about 30 years ago when she and Bob joined Peninsula Covenant Church (PCC) in RWC. For many years Virginia participated in Bible studies and prayer and care group activities there.
A celebration of Virginia's life will be held at PCC (3560 Farm Hill Blvd, RWC) on December 19, 2015 at 1:00PM. Donations in memory of Virginia may be made to the Akwaaba Foundation (16315 Winchester Club Dr., Meadow Vista, CA 95722 -- an education non-profit Denney founded), The Navigators (P.O. Box 6079, Albert Lea, MN 56007-6679; Designation #23825303), Christian Appalachian Project (P.O. Box 55911, Lexington, KY 40555-5911), or PCC.
Published in San Jose Mercury News/San Mateo County Times on Dec. 2, 2015.
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