Virginia A. Wilmarth

Virginia Ann Wilmarth (née Chave), age 90, passed away on April 30, 2026, in St. Petersburg, Florida. A proud native of Brooklyn, New York, Virginia was born on December 3, 1935, to George P. Chave and Elizabeth Chave (Badeau). She was the beloved sister of George III and Peter.

Virginia graduated from St. John’s University with a degree in Mathematics and began her career as an actuary with the Equitable Life Insurance Company.

While summering in Breezy Point, New York, she met Donald Wilmarth, and they were married on September 17, 1960. Over the next three years, they welcomed three daughters—Susan, Denise, and Nancy—and made their home in Arverne, New York. It was there that Virginia discovered Mahjong, a game she would enjoy for the next 65 years.

In 1970, the family moved to Sparta, New Jersey, where Virginia began her teaching career. She taught 7th and 8th grade math at Reverend George A. Brown Memorial School for 25 years, touching the lives of hundreds of students. She was an active communicant at Our Lady of the Lake Church and a member of the Lake Mohawk Golf Club, where she and Donald enjoyed many “nine and dine” evenings with friends. Virginia loved Broadway—especially musicals—and shared that passion by organizing a theater group that took trips to New York City several times a year.

In retirement, Virginia and Donald left the New Jersey cold behind and moved to St. Pete Beach, Florida, enjoying the sunshine and beautiful water views. Always a teacher at heart, she volunteered as a tutor at a local Catholic school and taught many friends to play Mahjong. She also served as a Eucharistic Minister at St. John Vianney Church and was an active member of the Pass-a-Grille Women’s Club.

Virginia’s greatest joy was her family. Holidays spent together were special. She treasured her five granddaughters and shared a special bond with each of them. She especially loved the family’s annual trips to Kure Beach, North Carolina, which were filled with laughter, beach days, and countless games of Yahtzee and Phase 10.

Left with treasured memories are her three daughters and sons-in-law: Susan and Michael D’Angelo, Denise and Eric Gordon, and Nancy and Ken Hansen; her granddaughters, Kara D’Angelo (Gustavo), Meredith Swisher (Michael), Molly Gordon, Abigail Gordon, and Kristen Hansen; her brother, Peter (Janet); her brother-in-law, George Wilmarth; and many nieces and nephews.

Virginia was a loving wife, mother, grandma, daughter, sister, teacher, and friend. She will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved her. Her family feels truly blessed to have had her in their lives.

A private family service and mass will be held in her honor. A woman of deep and abiding faith, Virginia would be grateful to be remembered in your prayers.

In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital or a charity of your choice.