Virginia Ann (Ginny) Parenza

Phoenix, Arizona

Virginia Ann (Ginny) Parenza, age 66, passed away December 21, 2011, in Phoenix, AZ. Ginny was born in Atlanta, GA, December 18, 1945, the daughter of Harold and Louise Richards Pilmer. After her father’s death in 1951, her family moved to Indianola, IA, where she graduated from high school in 1963.

Ginny received a BA in education from the University of Northern Colorado, Greeley, and her MA from Arizona State University, Tempe. She taught school for 38 years before retirement, first in Tacoma, WA, then in Des Moines, IA (Granger Elementary), and in Phoenix, AZ (All Saints Episcopal Day School, then Sunnyslope Elementary).

Ginny married Joseph A. Parenza in 1976, and their son Joe was born in 1979. They moved from Des Moines to Phoenix in 1984. Her husband, Joe, died there in 2000.

Ginny was a much-loved mother, sister, relative, teacher and friend. She will be remembered for her cheerful disposition and positive influence in the lives of many of her students, family and friends.

Ginny is survived by her son, Joe, of Phoenix and West Des Moines, his fiancée (to be wed February 4, 2012) Katherine Harris and her son Christian. Others left to honor her memory include Ginny’s sister, Judy Dietrich of West Des Moines, several Parenza in-laws, Pilmer relatives, and numerous nieces, nephews, cousins and friends in central Iowa and beyond.

Visitation will be at 10 a.m., Saturday, December 31, 2011, at McLaren’s Chapel in West Des Moines, followed by a Memorial Service at 11 a.m. and Inurnment in Resthaven Mausoleum.

Memorials may be made to: Mercy Hospice; Hospice of Central Iowa; or Hospice of the Valley, Phoenix, AZ.