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Virginia Fisher Obituary
She was born on Feb. 4, 1919, in Philadelphia, Pa., the only child of Mabel and John Coates. She was a 1941 graduate of Massachusetts State College, now the University of Massachusetts at Amherst.
In 1943, she married Edward Ashley, who died during World War II while serving as a Navy pilot in the Pacific. Together they had a daughter, Marilyn Ashley.
She was working as a therapeutic dietitian at Lawrence + Memorial Hospital, when she married Sidney Fisher. They were married for 58 years and had three daughters. Virginia's last employment was at Connecticut College in New London as a dietitian in the Food Service Department, retiring in 1981.
After retirement, she pursued her love of travel and adventure with a year-long RV trip cross country with Sidney. Together they traveled throughout the world with favorite destinations, New Zealand, Switzerland, and St. Thomas.
Virginia was very active up until her 93rd year, volunteering at Harkness and Fort Trumbull State Parks. She was an avid photographer, serving as treasurer of the former Southeastern Connecticut Camera Club, and displayed her photography in many local craft shows. She was an active member of the Appalachian Mountain Club, a Waterford Girl Scout leader, was interested in the development of aviation, the beauty of nature, and was a lover of trees. Virginia's mother began her interest in Theodore Roosevelt, and she had an extensive Teddy Bear collection.
Virginia is survived by three daughters, Marilyn White of Waterford, Janet Grills and her husband, Peter, of Groton, and Karen Fisher of Waterford; also four grandchildren; 13 great-grandchildren; and a great-great-grandson.
In addition to her first husband, Edward Ashley, she was predeceased by her husband, Sidney Fisher, and daughter, Dianne Arruda.
Funeral arrangements are private. Virginia requested that a memorial service in her memory be held at a future date.
She requested no flowers, but rather a contribution to your favorite charity.
Virginia adored her children and will continue to live on through her children.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Virginia Fisher
Dawn
May 14, 2013
As I sit hear with tears rolling down my face, I'm praying that the three of you are together watching over all of us. I am so sorry I didn't make it there in time to say goodbye, but always know that I love you with all my heart and I will miss you everyday Gram! It is hard to believe that a month has already gone by without you in our lives. I believe it has been the strength and independence that you have instilled in your family that has helped to guide us through these past few years of sorrow and now through the grief of loosing you. I feel very blessed that I was able to spend as much time these last several months with you as I could. You will forever be in my heart and soul Gram. I miss and love you!!
Your Grandaughter,
Dawn
(-=< Ray Hamilton >=-)
April 24, 2013
Dear Marilyn, Janet, Karen, and the entire Fisher Family,
I am so sorry to hear of your loss. Though I didn't know Virginia very well, we had met at times in the Fort's Gift Shop, while I was working on their website. I can assure you she was always spoken of lovingly as friend. At least she now has peace in God's loving hands! Having lost both parents myself, I know, all too well, the very special loss! Am leaving my email in this message; please contact me for a formatted copy of this page and your mom's obit!
And, understanding the hole left behind, regardless the inevitability or forewarning, pray this helps some wee bit...to allow...enable…the grief! Again, so truly sorry to hear about your wife, mom, friend...definitely keepin' y'all in my prayers!
When my mother died, even after a years-long battle with cancer, I was shattered by the loss…inconsolable…she was my mentor! I like to think that I got my character from my father, but my mind and its capacity from m'dear sainted mother!!! BUT, "If your faith assures you she's in heaven, then what are the tears all about?!?" I hold eternity dearly close...a cherished, hard-won prize...but, in the interim, that answer lies below.
SELFISH TEARS
(I Eulogize My Beloved Mother - March, 1989)
Today we cry...must admit they're selfish tears.
You see...our faith assures your journey's done.
But it's not for you we mourn, at all, my dear;
It's for those of us you've left behind...alone!!!
We share your joy...share your happiness at rest,
Your painful fears now for forever stilled.
You've fought the good fight, passed the final test,
But you've left behind a hole that can't be filled!!!
So, until we each rejoin you some someday,
And, while your memory buoys us through those years,
We'll miss you...but continue on our way,
And, from time to time, we'll cry our selfish tears!!!
Ray Hamilton ~*~ [email protected] (C) March 19, 1989
My sincerest condolences and prayers,
Nancy O'Sullivan
April 21, 2013
I'm sorry for your loss of your lovely mother. I remember her kindness in Girl Scouts many years ago. Recently I saw at Harkness and was touched by her
lively spirit and enjoyment of life. She was a gift to us all.
April 18, 2013
My prayers & thoughts go out to you, Lynn & your whole family @ this time of loss of your dear Mom. May you be experiencing God's amazing comfort & grace in the long days ahead.
LeeAnne Schimmel (Myers)
April 18, 2013
So sorry to hear of your Mom's passing, it is a difficult part of life. I remember when, as a young girl, your Mother would let me come over to your house and we would do stamp collecting. She was always nice and never seemed to mind that company was there. She was also very accepting of our making go-carts and all of the accumulation of materials that it entails---in your front yard! Bless her heart and may memories sustain you during this sad time.
Jenel Lanuza
April 17, 2013
Thinking of all of you during this difficult time. Please know that you are in our thoughts. We will miss Virginia.
Love,
Jenel, Sam, Owen & Lara Lanuza
Bill Perkins
April 16, 2013
Mrs fisher was a real lady and a very careing person. I worked with her and for her for many years. I shall cherish my memories of her for the rest of my life.
Jacquelyn Sanders
April 16, 2013
Condolences to Virginia's family and friends. She is a very classy, giving lady who was wonderful to know. She will be missed.
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