Virginia Elizabeth (Demeo) Prieto

Virginia “Ginny” Prieto was born in Waltham, Massachusetts on September 24, 1925 to Louis and Anna Demeo. Her father immigrated to the United States from Italy and spent most of his time in the restaurant he owned. Her mother raised Virginia, her four brothers and two sisters.

Remembered by her siblings for her smarts and love of reading, Virginia attended Regis College in Weston, Massachusetts. There she was Secretary of the Mathematical Club, and graduated in 1947 with her bachelor’s degree in Mathematics. She would reminisce about working at a candy shop in college, which she described as a blessing and a curse, with chocolates readily available at her fingertips. After graduating, she went on to work as a mathematician at General Motors in Los Angeles, where she met her soon-to-be husband, Albert, in 1952. He was immediately smitten by her big beautiful eyes and their shared devotion to God. They were married that same year.

Virginia and Albert briefly moved back East, where she gave birth to twins, David and Patricia, in 1954. They then returned to California, settling into their Canoga Park home, before having two more sons, Christopher and Thomas. In addition to caring for her family, Virginia volunteered with a charity-based sorority for decades and completed an 8-year Biblical study, twice over. She also cherished her relationships with her five grandchildren who all were lucky enough to grow up in the same town of Valencia with her.

Virginia had a love and passion for life. She had impeccable taste in fashion and always made sure to look her best with her nails and makeup done up. She had the ability to apply her lipstick immaculately, without using a mirror, all the way into her Golden Years. She loved the sun and the ocean, with drives up the coast listening to Frank Sinatra. She loved sitting with her feet in the sand at the beach, especially if it involved getting lobster rolls or fish and chips. These experiences brought back fond childhood memories of going to Nantastek Beach in Massachusetts with her family. She loved going into the city to wine and dine at some of Los Angeles’ best restaurants and, like her mother, siblings, and granddaughter, enjoyed getting ice cream and pastries at any chance. She was an avid fan of the Judge Judy television show; the judge’s spunky attitude was like a kindred spirit to Virginia’s. Those close to her enjoyed seeing the way these things would light up her face full of joy, and when she said her key phrases such as “Oh Sugar!” or “One day at a time.”

Virginia was always a fighter. In the last decade of her life, she battled skin cancer and overcame the challenges that went along with a hip injury. None of those kept her down and she continued to be an encouragement and support to her family. But for a social butterfly like Virginia, with the pandemic isolation of 2020, she was ready to meet her Lord and Savior. As her health declined, visitors were allowed to visit her and she spent her last weeks with family. Early on the morning of September 22, 2020, she passed away peacefully and without pain, just two days before her 96th birthday.

Virginia is survived by her siblings Mickey and Theresa; children David, Patty, Chris, and Thomas; daughters-in-law Diane and Cindy; son-in-law Jim; grandchildren Sarah, Nicholas, Kevin, and Keith; great-grandchild Axel, and shortly after her passing two additional great-grandchildren, Joshua and Dean. We will all miss her and her infectious joy deeply.

Virginia was pre-deceased by her husband Albert Prieto; daughter-in-law Jackie; grandson Anthony Prieto; parents Louis and Anna Demeo; sister, Anne Demeo; brothers Lou, Ray and Eddie Demeo. We rest assured that Virginia was greeted into heaven by these familiar faces.