Virginia H Dunn

If you are undecided on whether there are angels among us, consider Virginia Maude Hopkins Dunn. She was born to Herod and Cordelia Hopkins on August 29, 1920 in Audrain County, Missouri and, for 103 years, brought light, love and laughter to those around her. The 4th of 6 children, “Hoppy” rode her pony Dolly to a one room schoolhouse, was later crowned Miss Perry at age 16, and played basketball for Perry High School. Afterwards, she married her high school sweetheart, Charles (Chuck) Dunn, and, in a time when married women stayed home, attended business college and clerked for the probate judge in Mexico, Missouri. When World War II broke out, Chuck enlisted and served as a bomber navigator. Hoppy, in turn, served as a military wife—collectively supporting her family, neighbors, her church, and the war effort. Virginia and Chuck were truly part of the Greatest Generation. When Chuck returned from the war, he joined the Missouri Highway Patrol and the couple began building a family; first came Merrie and a few years later, Candice.

Surrounded by siblings and their siblings’ growing families, Hoppy was busy. She also was in line for a name change; the result of Merrie’s new first daughter only calling Hoppy “Gigi” and Chuck “Ga.” The names stuck and for the rest of their lives, Virginia Maude Dunn was “Gigi.”

Gigi made friends everywhere she and Chuck moved—in Missouri, Minnesota, Illinois, Ohio, Dallas, and Austin. She saw the best in every person; everyone was important and special. Everyone was invited over for fried chicken and received the cake of his or her choice on their birthdays. As a bank teller, every young person working beside her called her “Mom” and for years would send her greetings and updates on their lives and accomplishments. She was kind, compassionate, and quick to help those who needed it most. She loved Frank Sinatra, playing poker and bingo and going to the opera; she loved margaritas and a good party. She was an avid fan of the San Antonio Spurs and rarely missed a game on TV.

When she and Chuck moved from their home in Austin to Buckner Retirement Center, she was quick to introduce herself to neighbors, and first to visit those who lived alone or became ill. Even 15 years after Chuck’s death, Gigi could still be seen walking the halls with her stroller, visiting and helping others.

Our Angel passed away peacefully on January 4th, with family members at her side. Those who went before Virginia include her husband, Charles Dunn, and daughter Candice House. Her daughter Merrie Dunn Shumer, 4 grandchildren, 6 great grandchildren, and 4 great, great grandchildren, numerous nieces and nephews, and family members and friends all miss her dearly. A memorial service will be announced later, probably sometime in the Spring followed by a celebration of her life.

We send thanks to the staff at Buckner Villas in Austin where Gigi lived for 18 years, and to Kindful Health Hospice for the love and care they provided in her final days. There are truly Angels among us.