Virginia Lemieux

LEMIEUX, Virginia Marie 1922-2009 Virginia Marie Lemieux (nee McConaghie), the beloved wife of Raymond U. Lemieux, passed away on April 20, 2009 from complications after surgery. She was the daughter of James Alexander McConaghie of Northern Ireland and Mary Horak of Slovakia. Virginia was born in New York, NY, June 16, 1922. She was predeceased by her husband Raymond Urgel (2000) and by her step-brother, James Brown, her brothers, Fred, Jack and Alfred, her sister Rita, her son Rene and her grandchildren, Matthew (Coldiron), Frances (Frost) and Eric (Lahoda). She is survived by her children Laura (Edward Frost), Virginia (Michael Penny), Michele (Ronn Coldiron), Raymond (Patricia), Andree (David Lahoda), Janet (Alan Mason), 15 grandchildren and three great-grandchildren. Virginia grew up in Beechhurst, New York City and attended Queens College of the City University of New York, on a scholarship, where she earned a B.Sc. She then attended Ohio State University where she attained a Ph.D. (1948) in Physical Chemistry specializing in theoretical quantum mechanics. She met her future husband while studying in Ohio and they were married in New York City on May 21, 1948. "Jeannie" was an essential contributor to the success of her husband and children. She enriched the lives of her family, excelling in cooking, knitting, sewing, bridge and sports, able to prepare multi-course meals for all well into her 80's. Her husband's right hand, she listened and contributed ideas, effortlessly solving differential equations or engaging in thought provoking discussions as easily as piecing together a designer dress. Mom was intelligent, studious and determined, always prepared to accept a challenge and not accept the status quo. She loved having her family around her and the cottage on Lake Edith in Jasper was a focal point for the family for nearly 40 years. The arts and music were an important and valued part of her life and so, in lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Pro Coro Canada, Suite 309, 10113-104 Street, Edmonton AB T5J 1A1. A Celebration of Virginia's Life will be held at 1:30 p.m. on Friday, April 24 at Connelly-McKinley Funeral Home, 10011 - 114 Street, Edmonton. To send condolences please visit www.connelly-mckinley.com Connelly-McKinley Funeral Homes Downtown Chapel (780) 422-2222 Over 100 Years of Service