Virginia Whigham

Virginia Mary Whigham passed away January 13, 2025, peacefully at University of Virginia Hospital surrounded by her family. Born in Brooklyn, New York on August 19th, 1947, to James and Sophie Crosby, she drew inspiration from her family. It was mainly her grandfather who taught her unconditional love, which she in turn shared with all of us. Her strong Catholic upbringing made a lifelong impact upon her. She was always looking for the best it could be in any situation and that the heart is the vehicle for the dream. She believed in Angels and miracles; her love was a beacon guiding us through life's challenges, always knowing we had a safe harbor in her heart. 

Ever true to her nature, she spent her life in service to others; working in the restaurant management business, doing construction work for the Albermarle Housing Improvement Project, becoming certified by the State of California as a respite care giver for special needs children. She was a baker and a member of the AFC-CIO bakers union as well as working for the Mendicino Botanical Gardens in Fort Bragg, California. She achieved all of this in addition to being a devoted wife and mother to her children.

 Her family was always of paramount importance, and after leaving the workforce, she dedicated herself body and soul to helping her children and grandchildren. She took immense pleasure in cooking for her family and some of the best times were spent with her in the kitchen or at her table, eating her fantastic food. Her joy in nature could be seen in the gardens she so tirelessly maintained. Her enormous capacity for grace and compassion was evident in every conversation you had with her. She believed in miracles, never realizing she was a miracle to us all. 

She is preceded in death by her adored mother, Sophie Crosby, her brothers Salvatore and Joseph Crosby, grandson Ryan Yancey, and beloved granddaughter Brianna Rose Cavello. 

She is survived by her husband of 45 years, John Whigham, her sister and brother-in-law, James and Charlotte Benzinger, sister and brother-in-law Deborah and Gary; she is also survived by her children- son John Cavello, daughter and son-in-law Phyllis and Tom Yancey, son and daughter-in-law James and Linda Cavello, son and daughter-in-law Brian and Donna Cavello, son John P. Whigham as well as her grandchildren Zoe, Morgan, Jamie, Phillip Cavello, Nathan Cavello, Hannah and Hayden Cavello, Robert and Christopher Barclay, and Dustin Yancey. She is also survived by her cherished great-grandchildren Cache and Knox Cavello, Olivia and Abigail Yancey, Aubrey Barclay, Laya, Neo, and Zephyr Malakai Cavello. 

Virginia also leaves behind nieces and nephews; Robert Mosher, Louis Passantino and Sophia Garceau as well as great nieces and nephews, Sarah, Jude, Isabelle & Christopher Passantino and Charlotte Mosher. 

Funeral Mass to be held on Monday, February 24th, 2025, at 11:00 in the morning at St. Thomas Aquinas Church, located at 401 Alderman Road, Charlottesville, VA 22903. Their phone number is 434-293-8081. There will be a reception following the Mass at the church. 

Flowers are welcome, or should you prefer, donations can be made to either the Make A Wish Foundation or St. Jude’s Children's Hospital. 

Should you choose to send flowers, The Dogwood Tree florist works with the church. They are located at 2171 Ivy Rd. #8, Charlottesville, VA 22903 and their phone number is 434-365-9200