Virginia Catherine Carlin

Virginia was born in Joliet IL and attended Joliet High School. She was a graduate of DePaul University and also studied at the American Conservatory of Music in Chicago. Virginia was a life long member of the Sigma Alpha Iota International Music Fraternity for Women. Prior to her retirement on Marco Island, Virginia and her family resided for many years in Elmhurst IL. She looked back on a successful career with great pleasure, that included positions at Bausch and Lomb, Armour Foods and General Motors.

A life long student and world traveler, in her retirement Virginia also enjoyed studying astronomy, photography, and singing in the San Marco Church Choir and the Marco Island Concert Choir. Among Virginia's many volunteer commitments she loved her time spent volunteering at the Tommy Barfield Elementary school. She was a well known journalist writing her This 'n That column for the Marco Island Eagle for ten years, and continued to be an occasional contributor to the publication for many years. Her love of history lead her to serve as an Officer of the Marco Island Historical Society (MIHS) Board. One of Virginia's most enjoyable pursuits was the writing and publishing of her book I Remember Marco.... A Tale of Two Villages. She spent several years conducting research and interviewing living relatives of the original settlers of Marco Island. Through this endeavor Virginia created an entertaining, unique historical narrative of Marco Islands' past. A few years ago, Virginia extended her support of the Marco Island Historical Society by donating the proceeds of her book sales to benefit the MIHS.

Her family extends their thanks to all those who cared for her, and to her many friends that comforted her. She is preceeded in death by her husband James, her brother Raymond Biggins, brother and sister-in-law John and Angeline Carlin, and nieces Sarah Jean Biggins, Suzanne Biggins, and Paulette Abromaitis. Virginia is survived by her children Joan, Jim, and Sharon, sister-in-law Lorrie Biggins, nieces and nephews Michael (Hillary) Biggins, Rosemary Biggins, Kevin (Ann) Biggins, her God-daughter Margaret (John) Murphy, Ed Abromaitis, and many cousins in Ireland including the Waldron children whom she loved dearly. Virginia will be remembered as a loving daughter, sister, wife, mother, aunt, friend, and author.

Virginia never met a stranger and welcomed all that crossed her path with her beautiful smile. A memorial service will be held at St. Marks Episcopal Church, Marco Island FL on Saturday, November 5, 2016 at 10:00 am to celebrate her life. All are welcome. In lieu of flowers, please offer her your love and remember her in your prayers. If inclined, a donation made to your favorite charity in Virginia's name will be received with gratitude.