Virginia N. Storey

In Loving Memory of Virginia Storey
December 16, 1936 – May 1, 2025
With full hearts and cherished memories, we announce the peaceful passing of Virginia Naida Storey on Thursday, May 1, 2025, at the age of 88. A beloved mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, great-great grandmother, cousin, aunt, friend, and pillar of her community, Virginia leaves behind a LEGACY of deep faith, infinite kindness, and boundless love.
Born on her mother's birthday, December 16, 1936, in Hibbing, Minnesota, Virginia was the treasured daughter of Lincoln and Beatrice Naida Clarissy (Little) Lahti. Her name was lovingly chosen by her Aunt Ruth (Lahti) whose middle name was Virginia, and her middle name honored her mother, known to all as Naida. As a child, she strained to pronounce "Virginia" and end up demanding to be called "Meena" – a nickname her adoring father called her long into her adult life.
Early Years
Though an only child, Virginia shared an inseparable bond with her cousin Rita "Patty" (Erickson) Osborn, forming a sisterhood that would span nearly 9 decades. She was homeschooled until the 3rd grade and later attended schools across Duluth including a modest 2-classroom elementary school in Twig, Minnesota as well as Washington Junior and Central High schools. Virginia was an exceptional student and highly intelligent. Her 7th grade English teacher presented her to the class as a shining example of excellence in Reading and English. Virginia also excelled in high school, skipping 9th grade. She attributed this advancement to her upbringing, surrounded primarily by adults who read to her nonstop.
Her childhood was full of sweet memories such as receiving handcrafted dolls (the infamous "Ruthie Doll") by her grandmother, Anna Elisabeth, for her birthday every year and playing in her screened in sandbox her father built brilliantly to keep the bugs away. It was large enough for her grandfather, Gustav, to join her and get in his 40 winks after lunch. She never had a television so listening to the radio, reading, playing pretend with her mother and walking in the woods with her father were favorite past times. As a teenager, Virginia was a self-proclaimed "brat" and free-spirited with aspirations in becoming a nurse.
Marriage and Career
Virginia's life was beautifully full. Married 4 times, she loved each of her husbands deeply and without apology, saying "yes" to love and family time and time again. A proud and devoted mother, she once raised 7 children under one roof – giving birth to 5 and nurturing many more. She opened her heart and home to any child in need, blood relative or not. She blended families with grace, compassion, discipline, and an open-door spirit, ultimately becoming a cherished matriarch to a sprawling family tree rooted in love.
Virginia worked hard and poured into any and every position she ever held, regardless of paycheck. Her career included various roles across Minnesota and Wisconsin working as a Nurse's Aide, Teacher's Aide, Bakery Employee, a position at Couparrel Snowmobiles, Volunteer at Warroad Memorial (hockey) Arena and served on many committees at her home church, Zion Lutheran Church. She eventually retired as an Assembler at Marvin Windows and Doors in Warroad, Minnesota.
Hobbies/Interests
Virginia's passions were many. She was an artist, an enthusiastic reader, a seamstress, a chef and a singer. She loved to bake and was famous for her Suoma Nisu (Finnish coffee bread) and Finnish pancakes, recipes that now live on through generations. She could often be found at her sewing machine crafting clothes for the kids' dolls, in her kitchen surrounded by laughter and flour, or belting out hymns in the church choir. Virginia was well-traveled, always up for a good road trip celebrating life's milestones, exploring the world with curiosity, and fiercely dedicated to Al-Anon conferences, which profoundly shaped her life. Card games, dance parties, puzzles and gathering with loved ones filled her cup. Wherever Virginia was, joy, light and warmth followed.
Legacy
At the core of Virginia's spirit was her unshakable faith in and love for Jesus Christ. She believed in the quiet power of kindness, once saying the best investment one could make is "kindness to other people." She lived these words each day with generosity, humility, and love that knew no bounds. Virginia did not see wealth through the eyes of possessions and fortune. Her currency was time, and with it, she invested in people. Virginia's impact is tattooed on the hearts of many. Her life serves as a reminder that true happiness comes from giving and serving with others.
Virginia is survived by her dear cousin Rita "Patty" Osborn; her children, Debra Harrison, Donna (Tim) Noonan, Georgette (Gary) Bruhn, Kathleen Evans, Charlene "Sheri" (Bob) McClain, Kelly Evans, James (Emily) Fish, Gene (Alison) Fish, Gary (Connie) Fish, Gayle
Fish, Donna (Jim) Butler, Bob (Debbie) Storey, Les Storey, Laurel (David) Ulwelling, Ron (Diana) Storey, Wade (Bernie) Storey, Julie (Michael) Clark and Patti (Pete) Hodgson along with COUNTLESS grandchildren, great grandchildren, great-great grandchildren and great cousins who will continue to honor her legacy and carry it forward with joy and devotion.
She joins in eternal rest her parents, Lincoln and Naida; her stepfather, Uno Johnson; her 4 beloved husbands – Don Wigington, Roger Evans, Harold Fish, and Lester Storey; her daughter, Deb Diepenbrock; her son, Roger 'Lil Rog' Evans; grandsons, Heath Evans and Duane Harrison; granddaughter, Jade Fish.
Departed But Never Forgotten
A celebration of Virginia's remarkable life will take place on Friday, May 9, 2025, at 3:00 PM Central at Zion Lutheran Church in Warroad, Minnesota, with visitation beginning 1 hour prior. Interment to follow at Riverside Cemetery in Warroad, Minnesota.
Though our hearts ache, we rejoice in the life she lived so fully. Virginia was a woman of wisdom, joy, and unwavering faith. She gave without hesitation, loved without condition, and lived every moment fully. We will miss her dearly, but her spirit will forever echo in our laughter, our kitchens, and our acts of kindness. She was – and forever will be – the absolute best of us!
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