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Virginia Funicello Obituary
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Memories and Condolences
for Virginia Funicello
Nyla Johnson
September 3, 2008
My love goes to the Funicello Family
Nyla Johnson
michael funicello
August 11, 2008
Dear Mom
It is nearly one year since your passing and I miss you more than ever. I still can not believe you are gone.
Your Son
Michael
Fran Goodman
November 27, 2007
I was so saddened to hear about Virginia. She was a blessing to my mother, and took her to church weekly for about two years. Her kindness will always be remembered.
My thoughts are with the family.
Fran Goodman for Margaret Everling Cathedral City.
Lee-Ann Lawrence
October 23, 2007
We are so sorry to hear about the loss of Virginia. Virginia and my Mother Rose-Ann became instant friends when two young homesick brides from the East Coast came to California with their husbands seeking the American Dream. Joe and Daddy Lee worked together in Los Angeles in the '40s. Our moms remained best of friends until my mom passed away. We wish to express our most sincere and heart felt sympathy to "Uncle" Joe, Annette (my first best friend), Joey, Mike, and their families.
David and Lee-Ann (Courtney) Lawrence
John Ewan
October 15, 2007
Sincere condolences to the Funicello family. Our prayers are with you.
Gale Harpold
September 23, 2007
To the Funicello family: It was such a pleasure to meet Virginia & Joe when Lou Fitton and I visited Annette a few years ago. I can still remember sitting at Annette's kitchen table chatting with Virginia and telling her about a recipe I had for peanut butter cookies. Virginia reminded me several times that day not to forget to send her a copy of that recipe! When Lou & I got back to my house, I not only sent her the recipe but Lou & I made a batch of cookies to send along with it. May the thoughts and prayers of all those who love you help sustain you at this difficult time. Your sorrow is shared by everyone who knew and loved her.
Nyla Johnson
September 23, 2007
To Annette,Joe Sr, Joe Jr., Mike, Gina, Jackie and Jason: I was so sorry to hear of Virginias death.
I never got to meet her but being a member of Ritas club for so many years, I felt I knew her personally. She was a devoted wife, mother and grandmother. We will all miss her. My deepest sympathy to her family.
Beverley Holt
September 23, 2007
Deepest sympathy to the entire Funicello family.
Bev and Barry Holt Ausralia
Brenda Tharp
September 22, 2007
Only met Annette once, but she and her family were "part" of our family. My dad thought Joe was alright because he lived Daddys' dream...a service station/mechanic in California! My Mom thought Virginia was great because she supported her daughter in her career and raised her sons besides... And Annette was my best friend, she just didn't know it. (I was an only child!)
Virginia at Sally Jesse Raphael Show
September 22, 2007
tom ward
September 22, 2007
REST IN THE HANDS OF GOD
Joe, Annette and Virginia -- the early days
Rita Rose
September 21, 2007
Annette, Joe Sr., Joe Jr., Mike, Gina, Jackie, Jason and the rest of the family: I am so saddened to hear about Virginia's death -- a lady who was so full of life. Like Bonnie Wendt, my first experience meeting Virginia was at Annette's wedding, and even in the midst of all the festivities and relatives and friends, she made sure we had a ride to the reception and that we were part of everything. During many visits to California, Virgie was often part of them, opening her home to us fans. Once I spent the night at the Funicellos' and got to sleep in Annette's round bed, which was a real thrill for me, and I think she knew that. We spent hours going over photo albums and she gave me several extra photos of Annette to use in the fan club. One of my favorite publications was a tribute to Virgie and Joe on their 40th wedding anniversary, with Annette sneaking around to get photos and info from her relatives. And what a storyteller Virgie was! She always had plenty of tales to tell, many of them about Annette's Mouseketeer days and the Dick Clark tours -- she never forgot anything years later. I loved her humor, her warmth, the way she embraced her family, her faith and her sense of fun. She will always have a special place in my heart, along with the rest of the family.
Love,
Rita Rose
Former president, Annette Fan Club
Dee Tardiff
September 21, 2007
To Joe and the entire family-
"A Dream is a Wish Your Heart Makes"...and Joe and Virginia's dream took them west to CA. As a result, you came into the lives of so many of us, as well known as our own families. I met Virginia only once, when she and Annette's beloved father traveled to New York for the taping of the Sally Jesse Raphael tribute to Annette. It has been my great honor to meet Annette and speak with her frequently. The abundant love bestowed on all of you by Virginia will help carry you through.
With my deepest sympathy,
Dee Tardiff
Linda Huthmaker
September 20, 2007
Although I never had the pleasure of meeting Virginia or Annette, I did attend the tribute in 1999, for Annette, and Virginia was there, with us. My brother Ken, and I so enjoyed the evening, and now that Ken has passed away, also this year, I know, as my friend Bonnie Wendt knows, that he, Virginia, Bonnie's Father and Brother,all are enjoying being with the Lord and their loved ones, in Heaven forevermore.
God bless the Funicello family-you are in my prayers.
Bonnie Wendt
September 20, 2007
I met Virgie and Joe the weekend of Annette's wedding when I, along with Rita, another Annette fan, were invited to attend. In the midst all the commotion of the big day Virgie made sure we were taken care of and included in all the festivities. This was the beginning of a long and wonderful relationship with the whole family. Virginia was always just a down to earth, fun loving and sweet, sweet lady who loved her family more than anything. She passed away the same day as my Father. I'll never forgot taking him out to meet Virginia & Joe in Palm Springs as a surprise. They got along great, and my Father never forgot how nice they were to us. I know Dad & Virgie entered God's Kingdom together talking about their families! God Bless you Annette, and your family.
Bonnie Wendt
Jimmy D. Banks
September 20, 2007
To the Funicello family - I was fortunate to meet Virginia and Joe at the WISB show in '96. In the midst of chaos they were so warm and gracious. The world is better because of such wonderful individuals.
Andy Comer
September 20, 2007
God Bless all the family...you are in our prayers...
During filming of Mickey Mouse Club-1956 or 1957. Photo by Richard Young, now of Portland, OR
Donna Bell
September 19, 2007
Although I never met Virginia or Joe Funicello, I feel like I knew them...I belonged to Annette's Fan Club through the Rita Rose & Lou Fitton years, over 20 years. Annette's parents seemed to be "just folks" and I enjoyed seeing photos of various club members visiting Annette's home, especially when sharing photos of the other family members like her parents and children...watched all the kids grow up! My deepest sympathies to the entire family, including Glen and Jack. God Bless you!
Louis, Lynda, and Ariana Pietroforte
September 7, 2007
We were so sorry to hear of Virgie's passing. She sparkled and will be greatly missed by all who knew her. Being a mother and grandmother were obviously her greatest joys. She always spoke of each member of her family with such pride and love.
Pamela Butler
September 7, 2007
Although I met Virginia in the last season of her life, I am so grateful to have met such a warm, loving and kind soul. She loved the LORD with all her heart, her family was her pride, and looked to Jesus at all times for strength and comfort. She is one of God's sweetest soldiers. "Prescious is the death of a saint in the eyes of the LORD" Psalms
Bob & Kay Palmer
September 7, 2007
God bless Joe & family,Virginia was a lovely ,sweet lady,who always loved to hear "For the good times" at Banducci's
Linda Wright
September 7, 2007
Dear Joe & Family,Please accept my sincere sympathy upon your loss.I shall always remember when you both came into Desmonds and the fun we had!There are no words that can help when a partner in life is lost but time and love will sustain you and later memory.
Linda Wright
Desmonds- Palm Springs, CA.
Barry Hagenbuch
September 6, 2007
To Joe and family,
We were sorry to hear of Virginia's death. We'll always remember the warm friendship of our neighbor in Cathedral City. She was very proud of her family and enjoyed telling many stories of her travels with Annette during the Disney years.
We've missed her in the desert but oh, so many happy memories!
God bless you all!
Barry and Robert
Nick Strange
September 6, 2007
I ws so fortunate to have been part of Virginia's "Utica" family of sisters over the many years that I've known them. Virgie's name for me was "Bum"...what a compliment, huh? She made great meatballs, told um-teen stories, and always made me laugh. It was a family trait, as I've experienced with her sisters. When I think of her, I smile and remember the good times while in her presence. Virgie, say HELLO to Aunt Jo, Aunt Mickie, Aunt Car and Uncle Windy..I MISS you ALL so much. LOVE!
Rhonda McCune
September 6, 2007
I met Joe and Virginia at Banducci's Restaurant in Palm Springs where we all enjoyed the piano and sing-a-longs with George Momb. Virginia was so nice and really enjoyed life! Best wishes to the family and particularly Annette, so loved by her parents.
Candace DeGeorge-Cline
September 6, 2007
My deepest sympothies to you all. I loved growing up with Virginia and Joe at St. Louis Parish. Almost every week I would see Virginia and she would ask about what was going on with me. I enjoyed talking to her very much. I miss her a great deal. May God Bless you all! Much love!
Vicky Franks
September 6, 2007
I am deeply saddened by your loss. Virginia was my neighbor in Cathedral City for several years. I loved her humor. My sympathies to Joe and the children and grandchildren.
JOHN & TINY BANDUCCI
September 6, 2007
May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.
Renee Brooks
September 6, 2007
Our deepest sympathy to the family in the passing of Virginia. She was such a wonderful gift to the world! She loved her family so very much and loved to share the stories of each one. Our heart goes out to you all - she was a very special neighbor for many years. Tom and Renee Brooks
Anne DeGeorge
September 6, 2007
To Joe, Annette and family;
Our deepest sympathy to all of you on the loss of your wife, Mom and Grandma. My husband, Jeff and I (Anne) knew Joe and Virginia while they lived here in Cathedral City,(Palm Springs) at St. Louis Church. Virginia was always a lot of fun. She and I talked before mass every Sunday. She is a sweetheart and we have missed her and Joe's presance here in the desert. God loves her. May her soul rest in peace, Amen.
Love, Anne & Jeff DeGeorge
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