Virginia Juliene Aldape

1943 - 2015

Virginia Juliene Aldape
1943 ~ 2015
Virginia Juliene Aldape, 71, died in Oceanside, CA, on Friday, June 5, 2015. The second of six children, Virginia was born on September 27, 1943, in Boise, to Miren Totorica of Gernika, Spain, and John Aldape of Boise. Virginia was raised in Boise's North End and then on "the hill" in Aldape Heights with her older sister Judy and younger siblings John, Mary Jo, David and Diana. Vir faced many challenges throughout her life—overcoming difficulties to achieve her many goals. At four years of age, Virginia developed rheumatoid arthritis. With limited mobility, she spent most of her life with a wheelchair. Being very strong willed and particularly determined, her attitude and intellect paved her way.
One of Virginia's biggest challenges was convincing John & Miren that in order to reach her potential for educational and developmental opportunities, she would need to leave Boise. Her research led her to the discovery of a high school in Jamestown, North Dakota, that specialized in students with physical disabilities. Vir went to Jamestown, where she graduated from high school. Always in pursuit of education, Virginia went to Kansas State Teachers College in Emporia, Kansas, earning a bachelor's degree (1970), followed by her master's degree (1972). She quickly began her professional career, first as a Rehabilitation Counselor at Southwest State University in Marshall, Minnesota. During this time, Virginia determined that she needed the added independence of driving her own vehicle. Initially, she learned to drive a Toyota wagon, modified for her with hand controls. Years later, she managed wheelchair vans with lifts and drove throughout most of the rest of her life. After 7 years in Minnesota, Virginia sought warmer weather and accepted a counseling position at ASU in Tempe, Arizona. Then, wanting to be near the ocean, Virginia transferred to San Diego, where she was a Counselor in Disabled Student Services at San Diego State University; later, she became a Crisis Counselor for San Diego County Mental Health. She retired from the Veteran's Administration as a Caregiver Coordinator. Virginia then pursued another passion and profession—that of an author of children's books. Her published books are Nicole's Story and David, Donny and Darren. Virginia was a frequent contributor to professional journals and magazines such as "Writer's Press" and "Paraplegia News."
Virginia was very involved with her community and professional development. She was a member of the Society of Children's Book Authors and Illustrators (National organization & San Diego Chapter), Authors' Guild, Dos Valles Garden Club and San Diego Horticultural Society. Virginia and her friend/caregiver Sue Johnson, both interested in the stock market, founded a successful investment club named WIN. Sue and Vir established long-time friendships with their fellow investors.
Throughout her career, Virginia found opportunities to travel. Of course, to a wheelchair-bound person, traveling brought its own challenges; but Vir found ways to make it work. One of her first big trips was traveling to Europe with sisters and friends. A highlight was visiting Gernika, her mother's birthplace. She traveled throughout her life—crisscrossing the States, making frequent treks to Mexico, attending professional conferences and book seminars, going on a cruise, and enjoying trips with nieces and nephews. "Tia Vir" was a favorite among children, to whom she listened attentively and dispensed positive advice. Virginia was well known to be fiercely independent, generous and always stylish.
Virginia is survived by her sisters and brothers: Judy (Warren Lemmon), John (Juliana), Mary Jo (Tim Maxam), David, and Diana (David Berggren). Also surviving are: Sue Johnson, her long-time caregiver; 11 nieces and nephews and many great-nieces/nephews; 4 aunts; and all of her 44 Aldape and Totorica first cousins. Pall bearers will be nephews Ronald & Antonio Lemmon, John L Aldape and Erik & Bryan Berggren and nieces Katrina Lemmon-Baker, Jill Aldape and Alicia Berggren.
A viewing will be held Monday, June 15, at 10:00 a.m., at St. John's Cathedral, Boise. Mass of Christian Burial, under the direction of Father Antton Egiguren, will follow at 11:00. Burial will conclude at Dry Creek Cemetery. A luncheon welcoming all family and friends will follow at the Basque Center. Memorial donations would be graciously accepted by the Disabled American Veterans local office, 444 W Fort Street, Room 143, Boise 83702 and Shriners Hospital for Children, Fairfax Road & Virginia Street, Salt Lake City, UT 84103.
To share memories with the family please visit Virginia's memorial webpage at www.cloverdalefuneralhome.com.