Virginia Ellen LaFranchi

Virginia was born in Los Angeles to Emilio and Nellie Bonvini. In the 8th grade, she moved to the Fresno area, where she eventually graduated from Roosevelt High School. After high school, Virginia went back to Los Angeles to work as a Rosie the Riveter girl until the conclusion of World War II. She then returned to her family in Fresno and worked as a telephone operator, where she had the opportunity to speak with numerous movie stars and other celebrities. Virginia attended beauty college and always conducted herself as a lady with a keen fashion sense and stylish makeup, which continued throughout her entire life.

Virginia met the love of her life, Willard LaFranchi, in Fresno, and they married in Stockton in 1954. Willard built them their lovely ocean-view home in Hope Ranch, Santa Barbara, where they enjoyed life to the fullest. His lumber business opportunities then later moved them to Sacramento. In the mid-sixties, the couple returned home to Fresno, where Willard became a partner with brother-in-law Jim Wunderlich in a building maintenance company.

Entirely too soon, in 1975, Willard passed away from stomach cancer. To keep herself occupied, Virginia worked in a variety of beauty and fashion clothing stores, including Rodder's, Bleidistels, Cashion's, and finally, The Vintage House in Madera, California. Virginia also gave dance lessons at Arthur Murray studios and volunteered for the Red Cross.

Virginia eventually moved in with family and quickly became a second mother and friend to many of her nieces and nephews. She loved her family deeply, especially the children. She laughed often, and most of all, she loved Jesus.

Throughout her life, Virginia had an amazing memory. Just a few years ago, we used Google Earth to locate all of the places that she lived, even as a child. She donated generously to St. Jude Children's Hospital, and she loved to travel and then reminisce about all of the places that she visited. To summarize, she was a wonderful Aunt and best friend to her nieces and grandnieces.

Virginia is preceded in death by her husband, Willard LaFranchi. She is also preceded by her brother, Bob Bonvini, sister Barbara Wunderlich, brother-in-law Jim Wunderlich, nephew Robert Wunderlich, niece Cherrie Pistoresi, nephew Kenny Wunderlich, and niece Gina Bonvini.

Virginia is survived by Pat and Carol Reeves, Tom and Kathy Bailey, Ralph Pistoresi, Ruben and Deanna Hamm, and many other loving nieces and nephews.

Our family would like to extend our deepest thanks to everyone who has reached out to offer support during this difficult time.

A graveside service for Virginia will be held at Belmont Memorial Park, located at 201 N Teilman Avenue, Fresno, California, on March 10th, 2025, starting at 1:00pm. A gathering to celebrate Virginia's life will follow the service at Strummers Bar & Grill, located at 833 E Fern Avenue, Fresno, California.