Virginia R. Keller

Virginia R. Keller, nee Wright, age 91, of McHenry and formerly of the John Hancock Building in Chicago, passed away June 13, 2006, at home in McHenry. She was born in Yorkville, IL, Aug. 3, 1914, to Fred L. and Amye L. Wright. Mrs. Keller was an accomplished professional in the field of nursing, having practiced for more than 40 years. She was a pioneer in seeking advanced training in nursing in the late 1940's. Following her graduation from Yorkville High School, Mrs. Keller was accepted at the Evangelical Hospital School of Nursing, 55th and Morgan Streets in Chicago, where she completed her training as a Registered Nurse in 1935. Her nursing career took her through many phases, from floor nurse to supervisor and beyond. Shortly after WWII ended, she was invited to Washington D.C. where she served as a member of a task force developing hospital civil defense plans. Recognizing the direction nursing education was taking with respect to college-based degree programs, Virginia returned to school in 1948, attending Loyola University night school, while working full-time and rearing a family. She graduated Magna Cum Laude, with a Bachelor's Degree in Nursing Education and a Master's Degree in Education. Her subsequent professional pursuits placed her at the administrative level at numerous highly respected schools of nursing, among them Presbyterian Hospital (currently Presbyterian/St.Lukes), Passavant Hospital, Wesley Hospital, and finally retiring from Northwestern Memorial Hospital in 1979, having served as the Director of Staff Development. Survivors include daughters, Janet E. (the late J. Robert) Carlton of Richmond, VA and Joan L. (Robert) Stoy of McHenry; grandchildren, Andrew (Sarah) McBride of Richmond, VA, Jeffrey (Alyssa) McBride of Salt Lake City, UT, Lisa (Mark) Nelligan and Amy (Steven) Allison of The Woodlands, TX; great-grandchildren, Stephanie, Ian, Sean, Trevor, Bridget, Logan, MacKenzie, Alexis and Geneva; a brother, Fred (Mary Lou) Wright of Ames, IA; a sister, Patricia (Ken) Lowery of Farmersville, LA; a niece, Marilyn (James) Policastri of New York City; and a cousin, Joanne Smith of Plano, IL. She was preceded in death by her husband, Elmer H. Keller, Dec. 20, 1984; her parents; a sister, Devona Wright; a brother, Roy Wright; and an infant brother, George. Visitation will be Thursday, June 15 from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. at the George R. Justen & Son Funeral Home, 3519 W. Elm St., McHenry IL 60050. The Funeral Service will be held Friday, June 16 at 10 a.m., Fourth Presbyterian Church of Chicago in the Blair Chapel, located at the intersection of Michigan and Delaware Streets (entrance on Delaware) at 126 E. Chestnut St., Chicago, IL 60611. Rev. Calum MacLeod will officiate. There will be a reception held directly following the funeral service at the Drake Hotel. Interment will be at Mt. Greenwood Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, contributions to Hospice of Northeastern Illinois, 410 S. Hager Ave., Barrington, IL 60010; or to Fourth Presbyterian Church, 126 E. Chestnut St., Chicago, IL 60611 would be appreciated by the family. For information call the funeral home at 815-385-2400. Online condolences may be sent to the family at www.justenfh.com.