Virginia Kay O'Henley

“Tootsie” (as her dad used to call her) was born October 30th, 1936 in Saginaw, MI. She resided there with her parents Ernest and Beatrice Meinhold, and her three siblings until moving to Bad Axe, MI in 1945 where her family owned and operated the Meinhold Dairy. Virginia graduated from Bad Axe High School in 1954 then attended Michigan State University and St. Mary Hospital School of Nursing. There she earned her Licensed Practical Nursing degree.

In May of 1957, Virginia married her high school sweetheart Joe. Their relationship was built on strong trust, and unwavering devotion. They loved traveling the world and socializing with friends as a couple, as much as they enjoyed their morning coffee together and family dinners together with their children. Their relationship was a true love story as they weathered the storms of life and enjoyed much prosperity through their many years of hard work. Their faith in God and commitment to the Church was well known and ever present.

For the next 20 years after moving to Lapeer, MI with Joe, Virginia focused on raising her three children and dedicating herself to the noble profession of nursing, spending most her of career at Lapeer General Hospital in the Intensive Care Unit. Throughout this time, she made numerous friends and touched countless lives with her gentle touch, comforting words and healing presence.

In addition to nursing, Virginia was very active in the Immaculate Conception Church (Lapeer, MI). When her kids were young and attended Bishop Kelley Catholic school, she volunteered as the “lunch lady”, escorting children to the park and making sure they stayed safe. She and Joe were also active members of numerous social clubs including the Lapeer Country Club where they regularly gathered with friends and family.

After “retiring” from nursing when her children entered High School, Virginia partnered up with her friend Gaye Butterfield and purchased/ran the Short Stop Party store in Lapeer, MI for several years before REALLY retiring with Joe to a beautiful new home that they built in Parrish, FL.

Since moving to the River Wilderness Country Club community over 35 years ago. Ginny and Joe met several new friends who they boated, golfed & played cards with. They were blessed with many very wonderful retirement years before Joe became ill and passed in 2001.

Ginny’ son Robert (Bob) O’Henley also departed this world before his time at age 36, leaving a heartbroken family. Her surviving children Karen (Mike) Basile & John (Sherri) O’Henley have provided companionship and care for over 20 years where they enjoyed numerous cruises, vacations, and trips back and forth between Michigan and Florida.

Throughout her life, Virginia touched the hearts of all who knew her with her warmth and generosity. Her wisdom and guidance were cherished by her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren, who will forever be grateful for her love and support.

Her grandchildren Kyle (Katie) Jenkins, Lauren (Paul) Lindquist, Ali (Sam) Wiener, Joshua O’Henley and Sean O’Henley have fond memories of going on vacations, golfing, swimming and enjoying Shirley Temple’s in her cherished FL home -where she was comfortable until the very end- and visited multiple times a year throughout their childhood and well into their adult lives. She was able to attend each of their weddings and spend almost a decade with every great-grand child… Evan & Aubrey Jenkins, Charlotte & Wesley Lindquist, Judah & Madeline Wiener. They each miss her dearly and loved all the cuddles and lap time with their Gigi on her favorite chair as she gracefully aged, read, sang, told stories and allowed them some fun times on her iPad. (The bubble game was a big hit!) Vacations, photos and videos of her taken with them over the last several years will be cherished for all time.

Her passion for golf included raising the generation behind her on the links and her knitting skills were out of this world! We will all cherish our hand-crafted pieces we’ve received over the years.

Her family only knew a life with her and cannot imagine a life without her. Though she may be gone, her spirit will continue to live on in the hearts of all who knew her. Virginia (Mom, Grandma, Gigi, Ginny) will be dearly missed and forever remembered.

May she rest in eternal peace, reunited with her beloved husband Joe, son (Bob) and all who have gone before her. In addition to the family members listed above, Virginia was preceded in death by her parents Ernest and Beatrice Meinhold, Brother Dale (Marge) Brother Don (Lea) and many other cousins and nephews. She will also be missed by her sister Delores Dyjak, her numerous nieces and nephews and her step grandchildren Ashleigh (Alan) Muxlow, Faith Rheaume, Emily (Jamie) Wells and James Rheaume and their children Finnean, Liam, Jack and Adelaide. Most precious to her were the many dogs she owned and cared for over the years, lastly being her Shitzu Maggie. That lucky pup has been rehomed with her nephew Bill Meinhold and his wife Terri.

in lieu of flowers, donations may be made to St. Frances X Cabrini Church.

May God bless all those who loved her!

In loving memory,

A Catholic Mass celebrating Ginny’s life will be held on Monday 3/4 @ 12:30 pm:

St. Frances X Cabrini Church

12001 69th St E.

Parrish, FL 34219