Virginia Ann Stein Canfield

Virginia Ann Stein Canfield, of Roanoke, Va., and wife of Robert Eugene Canfield, passed onto her heavenly reward on Monday, August 24, 2009, at the age of 72. The mother of eight children and grandmother of 25, Virginia had been honored as the Roanoke Valley Mother of the Year for Family Life in 1988. She and Bob celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary last September at Our Lady of Nazareth Catholic Church, where they have been active parishioners for the last 45 years. During those years she volunteered in numerous church, community and youth activities in the Roanoke Valley, including Eucharistic Ministry, parish transportation ministry, OLN Friendship Circle, K of C Annual Basketball Tournament, South City Knights Youth program and Roanoke Catholic Schools. Virginia was the foster mother for many infant babies awaiting adoption through Catholic Charities. She founded the Christ is Christmas organization whose mission is to focus and evangelize the birth of Jesus Christ as the true meaning of Christmas. Throughout her life, Virginia was a lady of overwhelming caring and giving to all those around her. Virginia is preceded in death by her parents, Marie and Walter Stein; and brother, Pete Stein. She is survived by her husband, Bob; children and spouses, Bobby and Glenda Canfield, Maureen and Tim Rowe, Patricia and John Gazewood, Mary and Royce Day, Virginia and Jim Buch, Carolyn and William McDonald, Michael and Kerry Canfield, and Raymond and Rosy Canfield; and 25 grandchildren. Virginia is also survived by her siblings, sisters, Marge Souran, Marie Stupin and husband, Gene; and brother, Walter Stein. Friends may call at Oakey's South Chapel on Friday, August 28, 2009, from 2 to 4 p.m. and from 6 to 8 p.m.; Prayer Service during evening visitation hours. A Funeral Mass will be held 10 a.m. on Saturday, August 29, 2009, at Our Lady of Nazareth Catholic Church with the Rev. Msgr. Joseph Lehman officiating. Interment will follow at St. Andrew's Catholic Diocesan Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, Virginia and her family request memorial contributions be sent to Mother Teresa's Missionaries of Charity, 335 East 145th Street, Bronx, N.Y. 10451 or to Commonwealth Catholic Charities "Adoption Program," 541 Luck Ave., Suite #118, Roanoke, Va. 24016. Arrangements by Oakey's South Chapel, 540-989-3131.