Virginia Blume Stallman

1913 - 2018

Virginia Blume Stallman died peacefully in her sleep, at home in Storrs, CT on the morning of December 30, 2017. Born in Fort Wayne, Indiana on August 16, 1913, she attended Chicago University, where she met her husband. In 1938 she married R. W. Stallman, who would become a noted UConn Professor of American Literature, prolific writer and critic, described in his day as the world's foremost authority on Stephen Crane. Virginia assisted him for years in preparing his books for publication. After her husband's death in 1981, she emerged as a forceful personality in her own right. It was her labor of love for many years to teach good English to Chinese students at UConn, winning her a number of longtime Chinese friends. She also enjoyed volunteering as a docent at the Benton Museum of Art at UConn. If there were any secrets to her living to age 104 (besides a grandmother who had done the same), they would include her vibrant, sunny disposition, love of laughter, self-discipline and her stubborn adherence to a well-ordered life. Until age 90 she would do shoulder stands as part of her daily exercise routine. She drove until age 99. An Indiana farm girl throughout her youth, Virginia was an excellent cook, who ate and drank pretty much whatever she pleased, though always in moderation. Known to have an occasional martini well into her 90s, she loved nature, friends, parties, travel, music and literature. She played the piano every morning without fail until age 101. Blessed with good eyesight until the end, she always kept an engaging book and a crossword puzzle handy. Virginia was a kind and generous spirit and a devoted mother, proud that her two gifted sons had distinguished themselves in artistic careers: one as a sculptor, and one as a classical flutist. Virginia's strong will and love of life prevailed, even when life became somewhat difficult. In her final years, she was fortunate to have stayed in her home, with loving care from her wonderful assistant Androna Binensztok. Predeceased by her brother, Elmer Blume of Ft. Myers, FL, Virginia is survived by her sons and their wives, William and Lena Ladion Stallman, and Robert and Hannah Woods Stallman. A memorial service will be held in Storrs in late spring. Memorial donations may be made to the Covenant Soup Kitchen, 220 Valley St., Willimantic, CT 06226.