Virginia M. White

Virginia “Gina” M. White (nee Weber) of Lincolnshire and Chicago, IL, entered paradise on August 31, 2024 at the age of 94. Virginia was preceded in death by her beloved husband and best friend of 59 years, Edward M. White, her loving daughter Linda S. (the late Mark) Heitzinger, and great-granddaughter, Hope. She is survived by her children Kathleen (the late Edwin) Kowalski, Michael (Kathleen), Thomas (Maureen), Patricia (Jerome) Roland, Edward, Virginia (Richard) Furioso, and James (Lisa). Virginia was “Grandma Gina” to 26 grandchildren and 27 great-grandchildren. Virginia was born in Chicago to Burnett and Christine (Davis) Weber. She was preceded in death by her parents, by her beloved twin sister, Dorothy (Joseph) Tomes, and siblings Mary Josephine (Charles) Biggerstaff, Burnett (Martha), Eleanor (Nicholas) Zuiker, and Robert. Virginia’s best friend her entire life was her identical twin sister Dorothy, who preceded her in death in 2020. Inseparable throughout their lives, both as friends and as beautiful near look alikes, they led with their smiles and were vibrant additions to any gathering. Virginia raised her children on the southside of Chicago – adding several lifelong White Sox fans to that team’s fan base – and Lincolnshire, IL, where her children all graduated from the local high school. Virginia spent many hours attending school functions to watch her children participate in various sports and other activities. She could always be counted on to be her children’s biggest fan. Once Virginia’s family had grown, Virginia and Ed moved downtown to enjoy the city life. Virginia loved to shop, and it was difficult to keep up with her fast paced walk as she maneuvered through the crowded sidewalks of Michigan Avenue. With a beautiful backdrop of Lake Michigan, Virginia created a large garden on her patio, where she enjoyed holding family parties with her growing brood of grandchildren. With 26 grandchildren and 27 great grandchildren, Grandma Gina could always be counted on to snuggle the little ones until they squealed with delight. Grandma Gina also enjoyed taking the grandchildren birthday present shopping for special one on one time with them. Virginia and Ed became snowbirds, heading to Marco Island, FL for the winter months. Virginia enjoyed getting together with an extended group of friends in Marco, as well as hosting the children and grandchildren whenever schedules would allow. Many grandchildren had their first taste of saltwater along the gulf waters of Marco Island. Virginia also enjoyed offering the Marco house to various charitable organizations for fundraising purposes. Virginia and Ed were called to share the blessings of their time, talent, and treasure with several charities. They both served on one of the Boards of Catholic Charities of Chicago, and she made sure she supported them right up until the end of her life. Virginia and Dorothy spent the last few years of their active lives – together again – at Smith Village Senior Center in Chicago where they made new friends with many of the residents who took them in as one of their own. When her children and grandchildren came to visit, a frequent comment from residents and staff was “Oh, you’re Virginia’s son/daughter/grandchild. I can tell by your smile!” Near the end, her smile shone through and captured the heart of many of her caregivers. After a short illness, Virginia left this world to join her husband Ed and beloved daughter Linda to rest in peace in the presence of our Lord. Visitation Friday, September 6, 2024, 3pm to 8pm at Lauterburg-Oehler Funeral Home, 2000 E. Northwest Hwy, Arlington Heights, IL. Funeral Mass will be Saturday, September 7, at 10am at Saint Alphonsus Liguori Church, 411 N. Wheeling Road, Prospect Heights, IL. Interment will follow at Ridgewood Memorial Park in Des Plaines. In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests that donations be made to Catholic Charities of Chicago in Virginia’s name.