Virginia Bowlby Sadler

1924 - 2018

Virginia Bowlby Sadler

Virginia Beach - Virginia Bowlby Sadler died peacefully in her sleep July 2, 2018. She was born June 15, 1924 in Aberdeen, Washington, the daughter of George LaForest Miller Bowlby and Jesse McCord Bowlby. She graduated from the University of Washington and married Joseph Bernard Sadler on August 27, 1946, soon after his return from World War II.

Virginia and Joe lived at Great Neck Point on the Lynnhaven River for more than fifty years, where they raised their three children: George, Roberta, and Jim. Virginia was devoted to her family and considered her greatest accomplishment to be her children. Her home was always welcoming and was the gathering place for family and friends. Neighborhood children felt comfortable helping themselves in her kitchen. She loved to cook for family gatherings, big and small. With the grandchildren, Virginia came to be called Honey. Virginia enjoyed walking on the beach with her children and later with her grandchildren. She enjoyed boating and fondly remembered being her father's first mate on the Puget Sound and Vancouver waters. She loved dogs, particularly freckled cocker spaniels. She was a lovely singer and an avid reader, especially interested in history.

In addition to her family focus as a homemaker, Virginia was active in the community of Virginia Beach including: the Great Neck Point Garden Club, The Woman's Club, American Association of University Women, League of Women Voters, and the Virginia Beach Public Library Board. She played a key role in establishing the Virginia Beach Public Library and the community mental health services in Virginia Beach during the 1960s and 1970s.

Virginia is survived by her children: George Olin Sadler and his wife, Frances Smith Sadler, Roberta Ray Sadler, and James William Sadler. She is also survived by her three grandchildren Sarah Bowlby Sadler, Robert Harrison Sadler and his wife Jennifer, and Ethan James Sadler. She also leaves her three great-grandchildren, Benjamin, Noah and Lily. She was preceded in death by her beloved husband Joe and by her sister, Roberta Bowlby Aldrich. The family deeply appreciates the loving and compassionate care of the Bay Lake Retirement Community.

A graveside memorial will be held at Eastern Shore Chapel Cemetery Tuesday, July 10, at 10:00 AM. H.D. Oliver Funeral Apartments will be handling the arrangements. In lieu of flowers, please send donations to the SPCA or your favorite charity. Online condolences may be offered to the family at hdoliver.com.

View the online memorial for Virginia Bowlby Sadler