Virginia Stevens

On Thursday, August 1, 2024, our beloved mother, Ginny, formerly of Foster City, California passed from this world to the next, surrounded by love, at her home in Sun Lakes, Arizona. She was 83.

Virginia Ann Stevens was born May 23, 1941, to Helen R. McCarthy and Luis T. O'Toya. She was raised in Providence, Rhode Island, and graduated from Saint Mary's Academy of the Visitation High School. She went on to earn her Nursing Degree and spent several years attending to and caring for her numerous patients. Ginny was fiercely devoted to her family her entire life. She is survived by her sister, Louise Pesare of Greenville, Rhode Island. She was preceded in death by her parents, her youngest sister Eileen McAuliffe of North Scituate, Rhode Island, and by her greatest love, her husband Dave.

Ginny met Dave during the winter of 1961 when his University of San Francisco basketball team traveled east to play Providence College. They were introduced by her best friend and his first cousin, Martha; and so began Ginny's fairy tale. They wed on August 20, 1964, and their marriage was an inspiration to all who knew them. Throughout their lives, they laughed, danced, and adventured from California to Arizona, to Canada, and to Ireland. They cherished the family they created. Together, they raised four children - David (Stacy), Lisa, Brian (Allison), and Amy (Bill) of California and Arizona.

A majority of their wedded years were spent immersed in the busy world of sports. While Dave coached all four of his children in their respective sports, Ginny, lovingly supported their chaotic schedule. Often she spent her evenings shuttling the kids to and from their commitments while Dave taught his practices or coached his games. Unwavering in her loyalty, she cheered loud and proud for the Serra Padres, the Mercy Crusaders, and the Notre Dame Tigers.

One of Ginny's greatest joys was her eight grandchildren. Lovingly referred to as Mama - Katilyn, Sean, Madison, Logan, Ashlen, Lexi, Tucker, and Dawson kept her busy and beaming with pride. She was always inquisitive about their activities and enthusiastically encouraged each of them to chase their dreams with passion and determination.

In her last eighteen months of life, she channeled that same determination to fight breast cancer. She did so with grace, dignity, and strong faith. She battled it mightly and was steadfast in doing it her way. As we watched in awe, she arrived at the end with peace, gratitude, and love. In her own words, she reminded us all of what a good life she had been blessed with and returned to God to be reunited with Dave on their 60th wedding anniversary.