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Virginia Williams Obituary
She was born Oct. 24, 1925, in McHenry, to Joseph A. and Elizabeth (Neiss) Williams.
She graduated from St. Anne's Hospital School of Nursing in Chicago when she was 21. In February 1962, she earned her Bachelor of Science degree in nursing from Loyola University, graduating cum laude.
She completed her master's degree in community health at Northern Illinois University in 1973. Her nursing career included Hines V.A. Hospital, Chicago Project coordinator, and Indian Health Service.
In 1973, she was the first nurse in Illinois to be sole owner and operator of an independent nursing practice, Family Nursing. More than 2,000 patients were served both in short-term single visits and in long-term years of consistent care.
She believed that all nurses, as licensed professionals, had autonomy, authority, availability and accountability.
Many McHenry natives remember her driving her yellow Mercedes Benz from one home visit to the next.
Her hospitality welcomed friends and relatives to her home on Saturdays for pot roast and long conversation.
She always was fascinated with events about a person's life and encouraged adventure. She was extremely interested in what others had to say about travel, life, religion and work.
She was awarded Community Leader of the Year from Centegra in 2005, 10 years after she had a brain stem stroke, which affected her body and voice but not her will.
Her contribution fostered positive attitudes and improved social and economic opportunities for people with disabilities in McHenry County.
She was recognized as a finalist for the 1999 Triumph of the Human Spirit Award. In 1981, she was voted Woman of the Year by the members of the McHenry Business and Professional Women's Club, years after opening Family Nursing.
Survivors include her brother-in-law, Donald Doherty; her nieces and nephews, Colleen Jackson, Jay (Colleen Drumm) Doherty, Celeste (Michael) Heidemann, Cynthia (David) Henderson, Christine (Kenne) Ludwig, Carolyn (Bob) Sweeney, Joseph (Kimmy) Doherty, Connie (Joe) Bopp, Catherine (John) Brodbeck, Carmel (Donald) Ray, Chris (Kristine) Newkirk, Judy Newkirk, Terry (Bill) Greenslade, Pat Amundson, Virginia Buchanan, Heather (Ken) Bottari and Mary (Curt) Klaes; and many great-nieces and great-nephews.
She was preceded in death by her parents; a brother, Richard; and two sisters, Beatrice Newkirk and Rosalie A. Doherty.
The visitation will be from 3 to 8 p.m. Wednesday, May 18, at Justen Funeral Home & Crematory, 3700 W. Charles J. Miller Road, McHenry. The visitation will continue from 10 a.m. Thursday, May 19, until the 11 a.m. Mass is celebrated at St. Mary's Church, 1401 N. Richmond Road, McHenry. Interment will be in St. Mary's Cemetery, McHenry.
For those wishing to send an expression of condolence, memorials may be made in her name to Centegra Independence Square, 4201 Medical Center Drive, McHenry, IL 60050.
For information, call the funeral home at 815-385-2400.
Friends may send an online condolence to the family at www.justenfh.com.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Virginia Williams
5 Entries
May 19, 2011
To Don and all the family
My deepest sympathy to you all on the deathof Jinny. She was one special person and helped to many of us in so many ways.
My prayers to all of you at this time.
Marion Freund Graff
M. Mullen
May 19, 2011
Virginia, you will be missed. What a treasure you have been in my life. We shared meals, drives around McH. County, many conversations, relaxing times in your backyard on a beautiful day, laughter, Adoration and so much more. Thank you! To Don and family: your care and attention to Virginia for the past many years was so beautiful to witness. I recall Rosalie's always cheerful attitude and demeanor each time I saw her with Virginia, and everyone else did their part as well. Good job, Family, and thank you.
May 18, 2011
We send our sincerest sympathy to Jinny's family on her passing. She was a great help to us during our mother's failing health and death. Her help and friendliness will never be forgotten.
Eileen Klapperich and Kay Godina
May 18, 2011
Jinny, You will be missed all us of who cared for you. You will missed by those lives you touched while working and living in mchenry county. God will definitely have his hands full with all of your ideas. I know you are in a better place but you will still be missed.
Denise Centegra Home Health Aide and home instead caregiver.
May 18, 2011
Jinny your strength and spirit was an inspiration to all who had the pleasure of knowing you. You will be missed.
Love and Blessings, Julie Fingard
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Justen Funeral Home & Crematory - McHenry3700 W. Charles J. Miller Road, McHenry, IL 60050
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