Virginia Carver Craig

Virginia Carver Craig
Virginia passed away December 9, 2022, in her eastside Petaluma home. Born and raised in New Brighton, PA, she was a talented baseball competitor, graduating early from New Brighton HS to play for the All American Girls Professional Baseball League (AAGPBL): 1953-South Bend Blue Sox; 1954 (the leagues last year)-pennant winning Fort Wayne Daisies. The team has a permanent mention in the Baseball Hall of Fame in Cooperstown, NY (www.aagpbl.org). (Also inducted into New Brighton's and Beaver Co's H.O.Fs. in 2007 and 2023 respectively.)
In 1956 Virginia joined the USAF and for eight of 11 years played on their traveling softball team as a standout catcher, shortstop, and outfielder. She ended her service at Hamilton Field in Novato and in 1967 became the 1st female letter carrier in Petaluma when she was hired at the 4th & D Post Office. She provided reliable service to grateful Sunnyslope, El Rose and B St. customers on a steep route where no vehicle was provided. Fellow carriers had the utmost respect for their quiet colleague and were "astonished by her efficiency, stamina, and excellence in accuracy." On her retirement, the Postmaster nicknamed her "Steady Eddy."
Virginia was a quiet person who kept to herself. She enjoyed Shollenberger Park, cycling, walking, driving along the coast, day trips around Sonoma Co. and vacations by the beach. She appreciated "talk" radio, Natl Geographic & New Yorker magazines, and frequently discussed current events with her tutor while learning to navigate her PC and various social media websites. Not a serious follower of TV (Frankie & Grace and The Golden Girls were among her few favs) but always a devoted sports fan, she eagerly watched baseball and other sports with friends.
Virginia's generosity and compassion would astound many people. She generously gave to multiple charities and causes including Native American organizations, Disabled Veterans of America, religious societies, animals and the environment.
Virginia was preceded in death by her parents, Ernest and Sophie Carver, and her brother, Kenneth (Doc) Carver. She is survived by her brother, William "Bill" (Nancy) Carver of New Brighton and numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins. A very special thank you to Hospice of Petaluma, her companion Darrell Pike, her friends Christine Cohen and Vera Nicol, and her niece, Jacqueline Gorgas of PA.
Virginia will be greatly missed. She was interred at the Chapel of the Chimes through the Neptune Society of Santa Rosa. No memorial service is scheduled at this time, but contributions in Virginia's memory may be given to the Petaluma Parks and Recreation Department and/or Hospice of Petaluma.