Virve Magi

Virve was born in Laura, Estonia. At just five years old, she and her family fled on foot ahead of the Russian invasion of 1944 to catch an evacuation ship from Tallinn to Gdansk, Poland, then on to Austria before landing in refugee camps throughout southern Germany. It was there that she began her elementary education. After five long years of "vetting," Virve and her family were fortunate and grateful to immigrate to the United States, starting their new life in Washington State. She graduated from Ballard High School in 1956—ya betcha!

At eighteen, Virve met the love of her life, Martin Magi, who was also Estonian. The two married in 1958 in a double Estonian wedding alongside Martin’s sister Karin and Johannes Nukk. Together they crisscrossed the United States growing their family along the way. Virve was a navy wife, homemaker and mother to Triina (’61–’65), Kersti (’63), Marika (’66), and Jason (’69). By 1971, Virve and their young family made Bellevue, Washington, their forever home.

Vivacious and full of life, Virve was known for her impeccable sense of fashion and her signature hairdos. She could often be found laughing, dancing, and diving headfirst into activities with family and friends—bridge, bowling, tennis, water skiing, snow skiing, golf, volleyball, card games, reading, cooking, and traveling were just a few of her favorite things. A cancer survivor since 1985, she continued to live and lead a life filled with love, hope, laughter, and cherished memories. She never looked back.

Virve is survived by her devoted and loving husband of 66 years, Martin, her daughters Kersti (Harden) and Marika (Erik), son Jason, grandchildren Katrina, Arabella, Tatiana, and Everett.