Laura Virginia Blessington

Laura Virginia Blessington - GLENDALE, CA - Laura Virginia Blessington, nee Saunders, 98, former Savannah resident, passed away June 9, 2009 in Glendale, Ca. She was preceded in death by her husband, Joseph Francis Sr., sons, Joseph Francis Jr. and Stephen Ervin and son-in-law, Manuel Padilla. She is survived by her daughter, Martha Fay Blessington-Padilla, son, Edward, daughter-in-law, Doris "Ting", sister, Martha Jean Haynes, eight grandchildren, great grandchildren, nieces and nephews. Laura was born in Haileyville, Oklahoma on February 1, 1911 four years after the former Indian Territory gained statehood. Her maternal grandmother, Sarah Jane Hickey, staked a land claim in Hartshorne,Ok. In the late 1800s. When Laura was still young, the Saunders family, Edward from Virginia, a railroad employee, and Beatrice Jessica (Gallaher) from Illinois with their son and daughters moved to Savannah, Ga. Laura received most of her education here and began her long career in telephone communications at the local phone company as an operator. Later, she became the civilian chief operator of communications at Hunter Air Force Base. During this time, besides being devoted to her family, she enjoyed riding Amber, her Tennessee Walker, in the Montgomery Riding Club and was active in the Little Theater of Savannah in the wardrobe dept. and acting in plays. She was described by all as beautiful in face and manner. From her early teens, Laura was active in the Girl Scouts of America as a scout, then troop leader and finally working at Scout Headquarters. She enjoyed sports like archery, swimming, running and hurdles. She was fortunate to be acquainted with Juliet Gordon Low, GSA founder. In the late 50s, Laura moved to Washington,D.C.taking a position as Chief Operator of Communications at General Services Administration. Frequently, she organized conference calls for high-ranking government officials including John F. Kennedy. After 25 years at GSA, Laura retired and moved to Santa Monica, Ca. after her sons and daughter relocated to LA. She worked part time at UCLA In Financial Aid and continued her love of "show biz" appearing in several commercials and movies. She enhanced her knowledge taking courses at colleges and universities. Laura was an avid reader and stated in her memoirs that she would recite poetry in school. She continued composing verses throughout herlife. Even as her health declined in the last years, she continued sharing her knowledge and experience with others, being as independent as possible, and showing a keen sense of humor and kind, loving heart to all. Mama, we love you dearly. We miss you terribly. As you wrote in your last poem:"I am free. I am an American". You are with us always. Please send remembrances to the Smithsonian Institution, Washington, D.C. Savannah Morning News July 12, 2009 Please sign our Obituary Guest Book at savannahnow.com/obituaries .