Virginia was born in Sioux Falls, South Dakota, she had seven siblings. Virginia helped her mother raise some of her younger brothers and sisters. She was very proud of being the first girl from her family to graduate from high school.
In her early years, she owned restaurants and catering companies. When her daughter asked her about the café she owned, she commented that her husband Robert had worked there also. When asked what role he played, she replied, “Mostly, he sat at the counter!” She had a great sense of humor and could always find the most positive and witty in every situation. She was honored in an article in the local newspaper about her ability to run the busy Executive Dining Room at Autonetics where she was known for her bread pudding.
Virginia was married to Robert Heimstra October 5, 1946. They started their life together in South Dakota. Eventually they moved to California, first to Santa Ana, and then to Orange, where they finished raising their children.
She and her husband retired early and moved from California to Bullhead City, where soon enough, they became bored. She worked there for many years for an optometrist. During her weekends, she energetically entertained her love for the occasional video poker game and family visits. Everyone was welcome, and she would delight with her homemade meals. Each of her children had their favorite meals, and she was always sure to please them.
She is remembered by her family in food memories, be it to her special recipe rice crispy treats in the aged brown box or her love of Mexican food, which she humorously referred to as “Spanish Food.”
She loved to play cards and would play pinochle any time she was asked. She was always ready to visit and entertain where everyone always felt loved and welcome. She loved to travel and visited Europe and Australia.
She is best remembered as a strong, steadfast, and loving mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother. She was grateful everyday of her life and expressed it freely. She was an inspiration to everyone.
Virginia was predeceased by her husband of 56 years, Robert and her youngest child Edward. She is survived by children; Nancy, Robert (Debbie), Howard ( Valerie), 6 grandchildren; Eric Tash, Brett Heimstra, Kristi Wirth, Benjamin Heimstra, Natalie Reed and Dane Heimstra, 6 great grandchildren and 3 siblings, Geraldine Witt, Donald and Newell Qualseth.
A memorial service will be held Tuesday, March 10, 2020, 11:00 am, at Fairhaven Memorial Park and Mortuary, 1702 Fairhaven Avenue, Santa Ana CA. It will be in the Rose Window Chapel of the Historic Mausoleum.
Reception to Follow at : The Villa 510 E. Katella Avenue, Orange CA.
COMPARTA UN OBITUARIO
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