Virginia McCann

Virginia McCann

June 23, 1933 - Nov. 11, 2023

NAPA - Virginia McCann passed away peacefully on November 11, 2023, at the age of 90, surrounded by her loving family.

The youngest of three children, Virginia was born in 1933, in South Gate, CA, to Pauline A Thirifay and Edward J Kelly. The family later moved to Vallejo where Virginia graduated from St. Vincent High School in 1951. While working as a bookkeeper at Basalt Rock Company, Virginia met Ray, the company's structural engineer. The couple married in 1956, and soon designed and built their iconic mid-century modern home in the Browns Valley area of Napa, where they raised their two sons.

For 25 years, Virginia worked as the office manager for Dr Harold Murphree. Well-loved by both staff and patients alike, she oversaw hiring, scheduling, billing and employee payroll.

Upon retiring in 1992, Virginia and Ray enjoyed numerous cruises together, exploring many parts of the world and making countless friends along the way. Spending time with family, especially with their three grandchildren and two great-grandchildren, provided them with a tremendous source of joy, throughout their retirement years.

Virginia disliked being idle and found many outlets for her boundless energy. She devoted almost 20 years to organizing, sewing and making crafts for the annual Angel Bazaar at St. Apollinaris. Virginia passed away unexpectedly on the day of this year's bazaar, but her legacy continued as her creations were a big success at the bazaar, with more set aside for next year's. Her efforts over the years helped raise thousands of dollars for the church's after-school religious education program.

Virginia had a passion for cooking, baking and entertaining. She was at her happiest when surrounded by her family and friends, and food was the vehicle she used to deliver her love and affection. Meals became feasts and Virginia made sure that her guests enjoyed second, and even third, helpings of her delectable dishes. You couldn't leave one of her gatherings without receiving mountains of leftovers, bundled and bagged, to enjoy in the following days at home. Virginia will be remembered for the meals and many varieties of delicious cookies and desserts that she prepared and shared, but most importantly, for the love she gave and the memories she created.

Virginia was preceded in death by her husband, Ray A McCann; brother, John "Jack" E Kelly, and sister, Elizabeth "Betty" L. Ogan. She is survived by her sons: Doug (Cathy), and Steve (Shanna); grandchildren: Ben (Stephanie), Jon (Elisha), and Beth; and two great-grandchildren.

Family and friends are invited to a funeral mass at 11:00 AM on January 3, 2024, at St. Thomas Aquinas Catholic Church, 2725 Elm St., Napa. Burial will follow at Tulocay Cemetery, 411 Coombsville Rd., Napa. Memorial donations may be made to the Religious Education Program, St. Apollinaris Catholic School, 3700 Lassen St., Napa, CA, 94558.