Virginia AMATO Obituary

AMATO, Virginia
Virginia Amato loved to laugh. She was a positive and generous soul - always ready to listen, always saw the best in everyone she met. Her friendships were nurtured for decades. Her long engaging phone calls were legendary. She played a mean game of poker and traveled the world, connecting to people through food and laughter. Virginia's love was most often expressed in food. She was a wonderful hostess and a creative and ambitious cook. For many years she made a living catering parties in and around Palm Beach. She sold real estate as well, and in 1991 was named Realtor-Associate of the Year in Palm Beach County. She always made time to help others, and over the years was a patient advocate at a local hospital, a Hospice volunteer and would sometimes rise at dawn on weekends to help cook breakfast for veterans. Virginia was born in Barcelona, Spain in 1938, to Antonio Sanchez-Barbudo and Angela Selke Sanchez-Barbudo. She had one sister, Laura. Virginia left Spain as a newborn, carried across the Pyrenees in her parents' arms. They ended up on a teeming refugee ship bound for Mexico. When they left Mexico in 1945, it was to live in Austin TX, before eventually settling in Madison in 1946. She graduated from West High in 1957 and later that year married Robert Kay. They had two daughters, Robin Malchow and Christine Montgomery. Virginia married George Amato in 1971 and her family grew with four stepdaughters. In 1973, George and Virginia left Wisconsin and moved to Tequesta, FL. A loyal and feisty wife, she and George were married for 40 years. A mother who loved unconditionally, she will be missed by all who knew and loved her. She is survived by her two daughters Christine and Robin, her sister Laura Sanchez, her four step-daughters Angela Flora, Barbara Amato, Cathy Fischer and Diane Amato, as well as nine grandchildren: Joan, Christopher, Kate, Nick, Jack, Stella, Georgie, Alex and Quinlan. Having lived her 78 years full of laughter, adventure and love, Virginia died Saturday April 22, 2017 after a brief illness. Her two daughters were at her bedside. A celebration of Virginia's life will take place this summer. In lieu of flowers, please make a donation to one of the causes she cared deeply about: Moffitt Cancer Research, Alzheimer's Research, Hospice or the Moose Charities.
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Published by The Palm Beach Post from Apr. 30 to May 1, 2017.

Memories and Condolences
for Virginia AMATO

9 Entries

Karen Hueston

July 28, 2017

Virginia was a good friend to my Mother, Ruth Keating, through the years; the relationship began when my brother, Mike Keating, was married to her daughter, Christine, many years ago! Virginia kept in touch with Ruth even after Ruth moved back to Atlanta ten years ago to be nearer to her children. I know that Ruth always looked forward to Virginia's phone calls, and realized that somethin had happened when the phone calls stopped.

Virginia was a terrific lady and the world is a sadder place with her no longer here.

Chris Dunne

July 25, 2017

Very nice lady, sorry to hear this, send my condolences to the family

patti weeks

May 11, 2017

i miss her so much. we spoke at least every other day. she was my support system for the last four years. she will be a tremendous loss for so many of us.

Kim Huxtable

May 10, 2017

What a wonderful lady! I was there with her at the crack of dawn cooking for the veterans some Saturdays. She will be dearly missed. Virginia was an Auxiliary member of the Jupiter Lighthouse Fraternal Order of Eagles, #4267. A final tribute service is being held there on Thursday, May 11th at 6:30 pm.

Darla Cordo

May 7, 2017

To the family of my dearest Virginia,

It's difficult to deal with the profound grief of her sudden passing. She was my friend; a friendship cultivated while she took on the task of helping care for our family. For three years, I had the pleasure of witnessing the joy and confidence her labor of love brought to her and our family. I miss our in-depth chats, our silly text banter and the shared love we have for a little dog named Max. Mostly, I miss her: her intellect, her laughter and quick wit, her feisty political differences, and the wonder of Jesus, this guy I talked about a lot. The Godwink I had to call her on Good Friday was just that, and I know with all that I am He has her safe and sound. So I'll close with, you were one bunch of lucky girls to have her for your mom. I was blessed to have her as friend. She will be missed deeply, and the only comfort at this time is the wonderful memories she left with each of us. Godspeed healing for your aching hearts, and may His peace be with you.
love to all ~~~~

Jamie West

May 3, 2017

The world has lost a very kind soul and such a very sweet lady.

May 2, 2017

When someone you love becomes a memory, that memory becomes a treasure forever. I will always treasure and keep her in my heart. Virginia was an amazing person and I feel so blessed to have known her. My deepest sympathy to her family.

Barbara Rugolo

April 30, 2017

My deepest sympathy goes out to the family. May you find much comfort from our God of comfort during this difficult time (Act 24:15)

Sam Fiumara

April 30, 2017

I'll always remember Virginia's smile and cheerful voice when she came to visit my next door neighbor. That was how I met her almost 30 years ago. Its easy to see how she was loved by all who had the pleasure of knowing her.
RIP Virginia. God be with your family in difficult times as this.

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