VIRGINIA MEI-KAM CHEN

Just yesterday, Sherry Padgett and I reflected on our various interactions with Virginia, how strong-willed she was, and the positive impact she has had on our lives. We both intensely miss her! She truly was a remarkable woman!

Would any family members like to have one of her portraits? I have one in Lexington KY. I can ship it

I was just thinking about Virginia and how much I miss our conversations over meals together. She was a wonderful cook and loved having people over to enjoy it. But many people around Gainesville and the surrounding areas knew Virginia for her artwork. Her beautiful paintings are displayed in office buildings, schools, businesses, and many private homes. Virginia was a very generous person, especially towards her friends. It is hard to believe that it is five years since her passing. I...

I was thinking of Virginia today as I rehung some of her treasured art.

My goodness! It doesn't seem possible that it's been 4 years since the passing of this wonderful human being and talented artist. She was self-made in so many ways and had a very remarkable life. It's truly a tragedy that she's no longer with us, except in memory. Gone, but not forgotten! RIP

virginia is gone, but not forgotten, She was a flame that burned brightly, She made her own way and is very much missed - a kind heart, a bright mind, and a remarkable talent,

I am fascinated with the concept, as expressed in the Mexican tradition Los Dias de los Muertos, that we all die 3 deaths. The first is our physical death when our bodies cease to function, our hearts no longer beat, and we are essentially dead to the world. The second death occurs when our remains are returned to the earth, and we no longer have a detectable physical presence. The third and most definitive death is when there is no one left to remember us. I treasured my time with Virginia...

Virginia was a beautiful soul. She was a wonderful watercolor artist and I recognized her work wherever I see it. Thanks for the beautiful memories and wonderful artwork. You were so blessed to have her in your life. We hold her near and she will be in our hearts forever love and sympathy. I knew Virginia from Gainesville Fine Arts Association.

August 6, 2020
It's hard to believe that Virginia has been gone for over a year! She was a fighter to the very end and had an indomitable spirit. She accepted her fate with grace, but it is tragic that her hard-won ability to capture and preserve beautiful moments in time has been lost.
I miss meeting and conversing with her. Her wisdom and outlook had been forged by the vicissitudes and travails of a very unique life and she had much to offer. She lives on in her art!