Virginia was the loving and dedicated mother of Toni Contrascere (Robert Jr.) Freund and Marc (Elizabeth) Contrascere. She was a member of the Apostolic Christian Church on Middle Bellville Road and presently a member of the Apostolic Christian Church on Illinois Avenue for many years. Virginia was a faithful follower of her Lord and Savior for 52+ years. She was a daily example of His love to everyone she met.
An innovator of her time, Virginia went against the norm and was a chemist and supervisor at such companies as Ohio Brass Foundries, All Print Photo and Kodak. Her final position was as a supervisor for Epitronics, where she pioneered work designing night vision glasses and silicone wafers to be used in electronics. She finally retired after many years to care for her aging mother.
Known as “Nani” to her six grandchildren and fifteen great-grandchildren, she had a continual zest for life, enjoying camaraderie and playful competition with her children and grandchildren. A game of Monopoly or Triominos took on a whole new challenge with Nani at the table.
In addition to her two children, Virginia is survived by six grandchildren, Jennifer Freund Ritzmann, Julie Freund Zimmerman, Rebekah Freund Barillari, Robert Russell Freund, Madalyn Contrascere Ramsey and Marc Anthony Contrascere; fifteen great-grandchildren, Megan, Anna, Isaac and Jacob Ritzmann (children of Jennifer and Christian Ritzmann), Maximus and Julianna Barillari (children of Rebekah and Roberto Barillari), Magdalena and Nathanael Zimmerman (children of Julie and Andy Zimmerman), Claire Freund (daughter of Robert Russell and Jennifer Nitz Freund), Heidi, Isla, and Liam Ramsey (children of Madalyn and John Ramsey), Nicoletta, Giovanni, and Clementine Contrascere (children of Anthony and Ashley Contrascere).
She is preceded in death by her parents, Frances Boyer Marble and John Marble; and her husband of 60 years, Russell Anthony Contrascere.
She is greatly loved and fondly remembered by her family, friends, and brothers and sisters in Christ. Virginia will be sorely missed. Knowing she has entered heaven’s gates, we are thankful we do not have to say goodbye but, until we meet again in heaven.
The homeland in heaven draws me from this earth. The homeland in heaven alone has true worth. Naught here stills my longing, naught can me inspire. To dwell there forever is what I desire: To dwell there forever is what I desire.
Farewell then, O earth, I am only thy guest. Farewell to thy joys, from thy burdens I rest! Thy hills and thy valleys, though wondrously fair, cannot with the heavenly glories compare! Cannot with the heavenly glories compare!
The family will receive friends from 12:00-1:00 p.m. on Thursday, April 17, 2025, at the Apostolic Christian Church, 84 N. Illinois Avenue, Mansfield. The funeral service will immediately follow at 1:00 p.m. Virginia will be laid to rest in Mansfield Memorial Park beside her husband.
The family would like to thank all those who sent flowers, cards and prayers on behalf of their loved one. Special thanks to the staff at Lexington Court Care Center for their compassionate care of Virginia.
Wappner Funeral Directors-Ontario is honored to serve the family.
