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VIRGINIA CHEN Obituary
Virginia Mei-kam Chen passed away peacefully July 31, 2019. Virginia wanted to say 'good-bye' and 'thank you' to this wonderful community that has been so loving, kind, compassionate, and supporting toward her.
Virginia was born in Hong Kong and came to the United States in 1962 to attend Luther College in Iowa. She transferred to Iowa State University and graduated with a BS degree. She then had 12 months of training at a medical technology school and was licensed to work in hospital, clinical and veterinary laboratories.
Virginia came to her beloved Gainesville in 1976 and began her career in watercolor painting. She felt Gainesville was her home. After taking lessons, attending workshops, and painting on location, she began showing her work in the early 80's. In 40 years, she rarely missed a local art show. At these shows, Virginia met many people from all walks of life, and they became her friends. She was a member of GFAA Gallery, Artisan's Guild Gallery, and a member of the Florida Watercolor Society. She has done paintings for Santa Fe College, University of Florida, and many others.
Her love of cooking Chinese dishes always got 'high praise' from her guests. She was not only an artist of painting but also of Asian cooking, but painting has been her true passion. No service is planned. Arrangements are in the care of Milam Funeral and Cremation Services, 311 S. Main Street, Gainesville, FL 32601
(352) 376-5361.
www.milamfh.com
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for VIRGINIA CHEN
Sponsored by Gainesville.com.
Jack Gaskin
August 6, 2025
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!
Carmen Siguenza
June 28, 2025
Would any family members like to have one of her portraits? I have one in Lexington KY. I can ship it
Sheila Jones
August 6, 2024
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 still miss her
Vincent J Vesuvio
September 7, 2023
I was thinking of Virginia today as I rehung some of her treasured art.
Jack Gaskin
August 5, 2023
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
Jack M Gaskin
August 5, 2022
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,
Jack M. Gaskin
August 5, 2021
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 Chen because she was a remarkable woman with remarkable talent. She lives on in my memory and in the minds of many others whose hearts she touched. Gone, but not forgotten.... Most extraordinarily, Virginia lives on in the legacy that is her wonderful artwork. She will be appreciated long after those who knew and remember her have passed on.
Rest in Peace, Virginia!
Vivian Moorer
August 5, 2021
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.
Jack M Gaskin
August 6, 2020
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!
Vivian m o o r e r
August 5, 2020
In loving memory of a wonderful person. We will love you and miss you always. Beautiful artist, beautiful soul. I was so blessed to finally meet you and then you are taken from us we will always love you
October 9, 2019
Virginia was such a gracious, kind and talented artist -- she shared her passion for art with several of us in the Lake Region, particularly during the years of the Festival of the Lakes art show.
She will not be forgotten!
Sincerely,
Andi Blount and other Keystone Heights residents
Lauren Gunter
August 22, 2019
Ms Chen was a kind and spiritual lady. Her beautiful artwork spoke eloquently of her talent, eye for color, and love of nature. May she rest in peace knowing she touched the life of so many
... she will forever be in our hearts and prayers.
Linda Dolhay
August 16, 2019
I am very grateful to have met ms. Chen over the years at various art shows. I was able to let her know how much I loved her paintings and chat with her. May she rest and know that she will be missed by many.
Vivian Moorer
August 15, 2019
The best water color artist in the world. Always hoped my granddaughter would be able to take lessons from her. Love to you Virginia. You were the greatest!
Sheila Jones
August 13, 2019
I met Virginia 15 years ago at an art show in Kanapaha Gardens , Gainesville. This first meeting led to a friendship that lasted until she recently went home to be with the Lord.
Virginia and I enjoyed one another's cooking. She would make delicious Asian dishes for me and I would make her American dishes. (I believe that I got the best part of the deal).
We enjoyed one another's company and had many meaningful conversations. One of her favorite Scriptures was the 23rd Psalm which we recited together especially towards the end of her illness.
I feel blessed to have been a close friend of Virginia's and I will truly miss her.
Michelle Donnelly
August 13, 2019
I just heard that Virginia died earlier this month. Virginia and the Donnellys were neighbours for many many years. A few years after Virginia moved into her home, she, another neighbour and I went to the Thomas Center community classes to take an upholstery class. On the way, Virginia decided to take a painting class instead!. Such a wonderful idea for her. We are so glad to have many of her wonderful Florida scenes. Rest in peace kind and beautiful friend. I will miss you. Very sorry I did not know you were I'll.
Michelle Donnelly, and Sam and Chris
August 13, 2019
Virginia was my neighbor for many many years. In fact, when we were new neighbors, years ago, she, another neighbor and I went to Santa Fe college community night classes at the Thomas Center to take upholstery class. On the way there Virginia decided to take a painting class!! and the results proved wonderful. Such a kind, lovely friend. Since our paths only crossed at the local art shows after she moved to a different subdivision, I did not know she was so I'll. I will miss her. So glad that I have many of her special paintings. Rest in beautiful peace, friend
Dana Scott Williams
August 12, 2019
Rest in Peace, Virginia.
Carol Marden
August 12, 2019
We have several of her paintings. Great loss for Gainesville
Jack Gaskin
August 11, 2019
I was very fortunate to be able to assist Virginia in her later years. She was a strong-willed, good-hearted, and talented woman who had led a very remarkable life. Born in China, Virginia lost her mother at the age of three and was thereafter entrusted to care of a rather stern stepmother. Courageously, she emigrated from Hong Kong to the U.S. as a young woman and basically made her way on her own. She capitalized on her childhood capacity for drawing and became an accomplished watercolor artist known for her painstaking technique and colorful interpretations of local flora, fauna, Floridana, and the architecture of the University of Florida. Her lasting legacy is her art and she will be greatly missed by the Gainesille artistic community and those who knew and loved her.
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