URBANA – Virginia Holly Allen, 60, passed away on Dec. 29, 2007, at Carle Foundation Hospital in Urbana.

She is survived by her husband and companion of 33 years, Robert Bates Allen of Urbana, her sister Gail Walton of Missouri, and niece Aimee Snellback of Arizona. She was preceded in death by her parents, Leonard Weinberg and Elaine Nelson Weinberg of Chicago.

Virginia was born in Chicago on Nov. 26, 1947, and attended Lutheran schools. She came to the University of Illinois in Urbana in 1965, receiving a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree, with interests in painting, photography, ceramics, and especially jewelry. Later in life she continued making jewelry through classes at Parkland College, leaving a body of work revealing fine craftsmanship and imagination. She treasured her memories of the many friends of her college days.

While still a student, Virginia worked in the photography and darkroom area of the Department of Art and Design. In time she became Staff Assistant to the Director, overseeing the operation of the popular area. Spanning 35 years in this position, Virginia supervised hundreds of student lab assistants, whose admiration and respect rewarded her with many lifelong friendships.

Virginia dearly loved her dogs and cats. She was a supporter of the Urbana Dog Park and the Champaign County Humane Society.

Among her interests were a variety of collections, gardening, and home projects. She enjoyed seasonal objects and decorations, including collections of vintage post cards and noisemakers of Halloween, and quaint Valentines Day cards. Stereographic views, tintypes, daguerreotypes, and many other old photos found their way into her home after garage and estate sales. She made countless trips to antique stores with her husband, and especially with her best friend of many years, Craig McMonigal, who shared her enthusiasm. Landscaping and gardening gave Virginia a challenging and stimulating pursuit in recent years. Reading was a great pleasure, and she enjoyed solving crossword puzzles.

During seven years of battling with cancer, Virginia maintained a courageous and positive outlook on life, a manifestation of personal character that was apparent to everyone who knew her. She felt tremendous gratitude to the many health professionals who came to her rescue time and again. She was a kind soul who brought out the best in others.

No service has been scheduled at this time. Renner and Wikoff Chapel and Crematory, Urbana, is handling arrangements. Friends and family will be notified when a service is announced. In her memory, Virginia would be happy if friends contributed to their local animal shelter, cancer research, or Alzheimer's organizations.