Virginia Mae Fitzgerald

Date of death - February 28, 2025 Place of death - Mesa, AZ

Virginia was raised in Denver, Colorado. From the age of 5 until she was 12 she lived in a children’s home called Tuckaway. It was during the Great Depression and this home helped single parents provide a safe place for their children. She loved living there and felt safe. In 1940, she and her mother moved to California when she was 14 years old. In 1944 she graduated from Manual Arts High School in Los Angeles, CA. She began her career as a secretary after high school.

Virginia met Allen Faulkner and they were married in 1948. They would have 4 children, Reid, Molly, Emilie and Craig. They were married for 10 years before Allen was killed in a tragic car crash.

Virginia would go on to marry Raymond Crawford who had a daughter Debora at the time. And, then together they had… 4 more girls - Amy, Colleen, Virginia Mae "Ginny" and Mary. Virginia raised her 9 children mostly in Simi Valley, CA. while working a fulltime job as a secretary.

She created a home on about 3 acres of land where she would garden, plant trees, raise horses, geese, pigs, chickens, dogs, cats and birds. It was not uncommon to see her working out in the yard. I do believe she would choose yard work over housework anyday. And, at the end of many days you would find her, looking out over her acreage admiring a beautiful sunset. Mom always believed in God. She would take us to church when we were young. However, during the mid 70s, in the midst of some life changing events Mom recognized her need for a savior and committed her life to Christ. She tried to live out her belief and point others to God’s word for hope in daily troubles. Ray and Connie would later divorce ending their 20 year marriage, but remained close for the rest of their lives.

She would try her hand at marriage one more time. They would eventually divorce and Virginia would move on to a new life. Virginia would spend the rest of her life traveling around from child to child staying long enough to help but not long enough to cause too much trouble. During these last 26 years of her life mom became, I believe, her best self. She loved to be wanted and needed. She loved to serve. She loved the beauty of nature, travelling, quilting, baking and much more.

Virginia would continue to be a resident of California until she moved to Mesa, AZ in 2015 where she has lived for the last 10 years.

Virginia is survived by:

Her…

9 children: Reid, Molly, Emilie, Craig, Debora, Amy, Colleen, Ginny and Mary.

27- Grandchildren

34 - Great grandchildren

13 - Great great grandchildren

83 is the grand total

Sheila Crawford, her sister-in-law and friend

Many nieces and nephews

And a large number of additional adults and children who call her “Mom”.

Preceded in death by…

Her husband Allen Faulkner - November-1958

Her granddaughter Erin Faulkner - May 1977

Her granddaughter Molly McNally - February 2002

Her grandson William Hetzel - September 2024

Her 6 step siblings, Rena Dick, Threasa Dick, Frances King, Thomas Dick, Murry (Mick) Dick and Robert Dick

Services will be held on Thursday, March 6, 2025 at 1:30PM at Via Church, 740 N Power Rd, Mesa, AZ 85205.

To join the livestream at the time of the service, please click the following link: https://www.youtube.com/live/6BbMj2X1lBY