Menu
Search by Name
Search by Name
BORN
1951
DIED
2008
FUNERAL HOME
Virginia Graham Obituary
Virginia "Virgie" Graham was born April 25, 1951, to Benjamin and Lucia Martinez in Santa Barbara. She passed away on her 57th birthday, April 25, 2008, at home with her loving husband, Steve, brother-in-law, Gary Graham and his wife Lori at her side.
Virgie was a true survivor. She fought cancer on seven different occasions over the last 10 years. She never let it get her down. She was always upbeat, strong, courageous and brave. Her approach to life's challenges was to "Run to the roar," to take it head on, which she always did. Her uncle and former Marine, Max Holguin, told her that she was a hero.
Her life wasn't all about fighting though. Virgie enjoyed a talent for any artistic expression. Recently she developed a love for glass fusing. She also loved to read, especially "Nero Wolfe" by Rex Stout. Mostly, her life was about love. She loved feeling and experiencing the physical environment around her. She had a keen eye for the design and beauty of things. It was the people in her life to whom she gave endless and unconditional love. No matter what, she was always there for us. She was, and in many ways still is, our rock! She never wavered in her faith and her love of God. She was looking forward to being with Him and all those she dearly loved and missed who had gone before. It is now that those of us who are left behind will miss you, Virgie. We'll love and miss you always.
Virgie was preceded in death by her father, Benjamin L. Martinez Sr..
She leaves behind her adoring husband Steve Graham; son, Steven R. "Bobbie" Graham and his wife Kristi; grandchildren, Brianna and Brendon Graham; mother, Lucia Lopez Martinez; brothers, Ben Martinez (wife Sherrie) and Ron Martinez; sister, Lenore Castro (husband Raul) Laurie Correia (husband David) and Anna Rivero (husband Mauro); brother-in-law, Gary Graham (wife Lori); aunts, Jessie Holguin and Sister Lucy Holguin; cousins, Carolyn (who taught her glass fusing), Mark, Max, Claire and Kathy Holguin; nephews, David and Daniel Correia, Benjamin Rivero and Michael Noriega; and lastly her niece, Laura Noriega, who has been helping her the last two months.
A funeral service will be held at noon Wednesday, April 30, in the chapel of Charles Carroll Funeral Home, 15 Teloma Drive, Ventura, CA 93003. Burial will follow at Ivy Lawn Memorial Park in Ventura.
Arrangements have been entrusted to the care of Charles Carroll Funeral Home; phone 805-642-8134.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Virginia Graham
5 Entries
Betsy Rubottom
May 6, 2008
Steve,
Lee & I had the privilege of sharing in your lives in the early days and observing the deep love you and Virgie shared. My heart goes out to you as you experience these days of loss and loneliness. Mark and I send our heart filled sympathy to you and Bobbie.
I held on to Psalms 27:13 NASB after Lee's death. "I would have despaired unless I had believed that I would see the goodness of the LORD in the land of the living."
Dianne McGregor Barcheers
May 6, 2008
Lenore, I am so sorry to hear about your sister. I am keeping you and Raul in my prayers.
Patricia Mescus
May 4, 2008
My deepest sympathy to the Graham & Martinez Families in the loss of Virgie. She battled cancer and won several times. She was a great fighter in life. You all are in my prayers for peace of mind over the loss. God Bless.
Beverley Amar
April 30, 2008
Lenore,
I know the pain you're in and, of losing a sister and in trying to find the right words to say to you, I find that there are no "right" words, so I'll simply say that I'm here for you and Raul and that God WILL lessen the pain over time and memories will bring smiles. Peace to all the Graham, Matrinez family members.
Peggy Poehler
April 29, 2008
Dear Steve and family ~ I just read about Ginny passing away and I wanted to let you know how sorry I am. She was quite a woman! And a "fighter", as mentioned, to the end. I feel privileged to have known Ginny through the campaign for Jill. I send you my love and sympathy to you and yours.
Showing 1 - 5 of 5 results
Make a Donation
in Virginia Graham's name
Memorial Events
for Virginia Graham
How to support Virginia's loved ones
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?
What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?
Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?
We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.
Read more
Resources to help you cope with loss
How to Cope With Grief
Information and advice to help you cope with the death of someone important to you.
Read more
Estate Settlement Guide
If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.
Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast
Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.
Read moreWays to honor Virginia Graham's life and legacy
Obituary Examples
You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.
Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples
These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.
Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?
Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.
Read more
