Virginia Ione (Hatter) Christofferson, 80, of DeWitt, died September 25, 2014, of complications from stroke. She was born November 17, 1933, in Lansing, to Samuel and Zelma (DeYoe) Hatter. She married Gordon Christofferson, formerly of Chatham, on August 21, 1954, who survives. They recently celebrated their 60th wedding anniversary. Virginia is also survived by her six children: daughter Ann Bradley of Mason; son Bill (Pam) of DeWitt; daughter Amy (Bob) Doyle of Ypsilanti; daughter Lisa (Chuck) Rahall of DeWitt; son Paul (Geneva) of DeWitt; and daughter Julie (Tony Catchot) Christofferson of Ann Arbor. She was also a loving grandmother to many grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Virginia graduated from Lansing Eastern High School, then worked as a secretary there until the birth of her first child. When her children were older, she worked briefly at Consumer's Power, before returning home to care for her father-in-law for the last five years of his life. She later worked as a bookkeeper for her son, Bill, in the early days of Foresight Group, until her retirement. In addition, Virginia volunteered for many years as the treasurer for the Michigan chapter of the Huntington's Disease Association. Throughout her life, she consistently visited and cared for ailing relatives and friends, especially those who were no longer able to live at home. Virginia quietly and humbly lived out her Catholic faith. She and Gordon sacrificed so that their children could benefit from a Catholic education. She was an early member of St. Therese Church, and for years contributed by volunteering for monthly adoration, preparing food for funerals, working on the monthly church newspaper, and helping in many other ways. Over the years, her other interests included recreational reading, birdwatching, golf, bowling, and homemaking. Virginia's talents in the kitchen are reflected in the many recipes she shared which are still being made and enjoyed today by friends and family, especially her frosted sugar cookies, sour cream fudge, and egg-sage stuffing. Raising children, however, was Virginia's true vocation. She loved children—especially babies—and was happiest and most comfortable in her role as mother. She loved to be involved in her children's school activities, and could always be depended on to volunteer for "noon duty" or serve as "room mother" during the St. Therese School years. As her children grew older, Virginia attended a seemingly endless stream of swim meets, wrestling meets, volleyball games, and band concerts and parades. Once her children were grown, Virginia continued to be engaged in their lives, and was the hub of family activity and communication. She was a role model each of her children have sought to emulate. Virginia continued her caring and support with the next generations, and was beloved by her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Following two serious strokes in 2007, Virginia exhibited her strength and determination as she fought to regain her health. Although complete recovery eluded her, she lived a joyful life surrounded by adoring family and devoted caregivers, and inspired many with her positive attitude and amazing accomplishments. The family offers special thanks to Virginia's caregivers and those who provided extra support during these last years, and to those who assisted in this last leg of her journey, including the staff of Heartland Hospice.

A Memorial Mass will be celebrated Saturday, October 4, 2014, 11:00 a.m., at St. Casimir Catholic Church, 815 Sparrow Ave., with Rev. Fr. Bill Lugger as celebrant. Inurnment of Virginia's ashes will be in St. Joseph Catholic Cemetery. The family will receive friends and relatives Friday, October 3, from 5:00 - 8:00 p.m. at the Palmer, Bush and Jensen Family Funeral Homes, Delta Chapel, 6020 W. Saginaw. For those wishing, memorial contributions may be made to Heartland Hospice or the American Stroke/American Heart Assoc. in memory of Virginia.