Evelyn Nieradzik Virgin

1922 - 2015

Evelyn Nieradzik Virgin

Born April 8, 1922 in Aberdeen, Washington to Joseph and Flora Nieradzik, Evelyn departed on January 13, 2015 to join Joe Virgin, her husband of 55 years. She created a loving and tight knit family with strong values; her grandchildren sought her out as a mentor and a friend. Nobody who has met Evelyn will be satisfied with her obituary because it's impossible to translate her accomplishments and love for family to text.

Evelyn was raised in Aberdeen with her sister Rosalie and her brothers Joe and Bill. Following her graduation from Aberdeen High School in 1940, Evelyn began her nursing studies at the University of Washington. Her studies were interrupted with the outbreak of World War II and her decision to enlist. She was stationed in the Philippine Islands and rose to the rank of 2nd Lieutenant in the Army Nurse Corps. After the war, she continued her nursing studies at the UW while working as a staff nurse at Swedish Hospital School of Nursing. Evelyn was nationally honored as a "typical nurse of 1946." She completed her B.S. in Nursing and Certificate in Public Health Nursing in June 1947.

While working as the supervisor of the maternity ward at Swedish Hospital she met Joe, a veterinary student at Washington State University. They were married on August 26th, 1951 and eventually established their household in Lake Forest Park, where they remained throughout their lifetime. Setting her nursing career aside, Evelyn stayed busy as a mom and Camp Fire leader for 12 years while raising her daughter and three sons. With the children raised she resumed her nursing career doing research at the University of Washington and later assisting Joe with his Veterinary practice.

She was a woman of strong Christian faith and used those principles to guide her children through the pitfalls of life, helping them all gain an appreciation of the importance of family and shared moments. Evelyn and Joe were avid gardeners, creating an oasis for their family on their Lake Forest Park property. While she and Joe enjoyed traveling, Evelyn's favorite times revolved around family gatherings. All enjoyed the fun activities that Evelyn hosted - everything from arts and crafts to baking to blowing bubbles. The grandchildren have fond memories of playing in the apple trees in the backyard and making apple sauce in the kitchen.

She was preceded in death by her husband Joe, sister Rosalie, brothers Joe and Bill, son-in law Ron Jewett, and great-grandchild Alanah Jewett. Evelyn is survived by her children: Ann Jewett, Tom (Asha Singh), John (Kerrin Golden), and Jim (Andrie Grant), 16 grandchildren, 15 great-grandchildren and many nieces and nephews. She will be greatly missed.

A celebration of her life is planned for 2:00pm, May 16, at the Summit Clubhouse, 5449 156th Ave SE, Bellevue, WA. Please sign Evelyn's online Guestbook at www.Legacy.com.