Virginia J. Scanlon

1925 - 2017

Scanlon, Virginia J. Died peacefully at 92 in Norwood, MA on June 29, 2017 with vascular dementia. Virginia was born on June 11, 1925 in Milwaukee and grew up there with her parents, Aloysius and Isabel (Fredrick) Niebler, a sister, Rita (Risse), and four brothers, Fred, Don, Larry and Tom. Virginia graduated from Washington High School in 1943 and earned a secretarial certificate from Milwaukee Business College in 1944. She married James P. Scanlon, the love of her life, on Feb. 23, 1946. They were married nearly 61 years. Virginia spent most of her life in the Milwaukee area but also lived for significant periods in Springfield, NJ; Madison and Waukesha, WI; Nashua, NH; Orlando, FL; and Norwood, MA. Virginia and Jim raised five children, Bill (Eileen McGlynn), Madison, WI; Dick (Mary DeMarco Scanlon), Winter Haven, FL; Tim (Ann Dobbertin), Hyattsville, MD; Susan Welby (Hans Waldman), Norwood, MA; and Terry, Fletcher, VT, and were blessed with six grandchildren, Megan, Caitlin, Brendan, Gina, Oliver and Miles Scanlon. Virginia's first priority was her family. She worked as a secretary before her oldest child was born and as a secretary, administrative assistant, and retail salesperson after her youngest child started high school. She was also an avid reader, follower of current affairs, gardener especially interested in seeing that plants thrived in her houses, and card player (especially bridge and sheepshead). She was happy to have lived long enough to vote for Hillary Clinton last November. Virginia was predeceased by her parents, husband, grandson Brendan, sister, two brothers, five sisters-in-law, six brothers-in-law, and three nephews. She is survived by her children and their partners, five grandchildren, two brothers, six sisters-in-law, a brother-in-law, many nieces and nephews, and many friends. Virginia's life will be celebrated at a memorial gathering at the FUNERAL HOME, Sat., Oct. 21st with greetings from 1 to 2 PM and memorial service beginning at 2 PM. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the National Hospice Foundation or the Alzheimer's Foundation of America.