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Virginia Del Grande Obituary
Virginia celebrated her 95th birthday on August 31st at her residence in Eureka, CA, with her family and friends. She passed away on September 4, 2019.
Virginia was born in Scotia, CA to Shirley Showers Cloney and Mary Agnes Canty Cloney and was one of four siblings a sister - Frances Cloney Wahlund (Mickey), and two brothers - Shirley Bud Cloney (Sally) and Daniel Terrence Cloney.
She attended Scotia Elementary School and graduated from Fortuna High School in 1942. In the fall of that year, she enrolled at Humboldt State College where she met her husband to be, Carl Albert Del Grande. They were married in Fort Sill, Oklahoma in 1943 and shared a 53 year marriage until Carl passed in 1996.
Carl and Virginia had three children: Carl Louis Del Grande (Kathleen), Ann Lough, and Donald Del Grande. She has seven grand children - Colleen Devine (Steve), Jenifer Paradissis Del Grande (Chris), Sara DeDeo, Melissa DeWolf, Tawnya Ashby (Brian), Donny Del Grande, and Denver Matthew Lough (Mary) and sixteen great grand children.
Virginia had many callings during her life. She worked as a waitress at the Scotia Inn, a bank teller for B of A, a bookkeeper for Del Grande's Texico Service Station, and an instructional aide at St. Bernards Elementary School assisting her favorite kindergarten teacher- Sister Monica. However, she will be most remembered as the Co-Owner of "The Shanty Tavern!" Together, Carl and Virginia operated one of the best bars in Northern California for almost 50 years!
She was a devout member of the St. Bernard Parish and served on several church committees. She was very involved in her children's education and served as a room mother and classroom volunteer, as well as, belonging to the Mother's Guild and the Catholic Daughter's Organization. Virginia also volunteered at St Joseph Hospital as a "Pink Lady" and at Frye's Care Home, where she assisted with Bingo every Thursday.
She was an avid fan of the San Francisco Giants, (She and Carl sponsored numerous bus trips and outings to Giant's games), HSU Lumberjack football, St. Bernard High School Athletics, and the Horse Races at the Humboldt County Fair.
There will be a memorial mass, led by her cousin, Father Michael Cloney, on Saturday, September 14, 2019, at 2:00 pm. at the St. Bernard's Church followed by a Celebration of a Life Well Lived at the St. Bernard High School Auditorium at 3:00 pm.
In lieu of flowers, those wishing to honor Virginia are encouraged to make a contribution to the St. Bernard Academy Scholarship Fund, 222 Dollison Street, Eureka, and CA.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Virginia Del Grande
Sponsored by Times-Standard.
Patricia Francesconi
September 14, 2019
Virginia & I have been friends for over 80 years. She, Frances Ellen, Bud & Danny and myself all grew up together in Scotia. Virginia liked to tell the story of being my baby sitter when my parents went to Dance Club. Whenever we would get together there were always memories of those idyllic days of our childhood. She is with the angels now in a place of honor that she rightfully deserves.
Lila Bollmann
September 14, 2019
Dear Ann~
I so enjoyed my conversations with you and Virginia when she came to the medical office where I worked. She could light up a dreary day just with her smile. A life well lived indeed.
Peace to you and yours,
Tom Kelly
September 11, 2019
Prayers and blessings to the Del Grande (extended) family. I remember Virginia as an ever-present presence in Eureka for many, many years. Also, I discovered something else in common -- Sister Monica was my favorite kindergarten teacher, too.
Rest in peace and may Virginia see the face of God.
Brad Curtis
September 10, 2019
What a gal and what a life! Virginia will be missed by so many. She and my father (Curt Spinas) used to refer to themselves as twins because they attended school together, shared the same birth date and were the same age. They were dear friends. Our condolences to all the families and her many many friends. xxoo Brad Curtis (Spinas)
Kay Reckord Ames
September 10, 2019
Virginia was such a wonderful and gracious lady who loved people and showed it always. Knew both her and Carl since I was a youngster and they often would come to my families restaurant, The Anchor. Virginia was a true lady in every sense of the word and will truly be missed by all who knew and loved her. My sincere condolences to all her family. Hold tight to all the wonderful things she taught you and the great memories she left with you, especially during this very difficult time. Please know that you are in my thoughts and prayers at this time.
David Renner
September 9, 2019
Virginia was a sweet woman who graced us with her presence. As a 5 year old entering St. Bernard's Elementary School it was her smile that greeted us. She was and will always be the best of the St. Bernard's community. My prayers are for the family.
Helen Munther Peterson
September 9, 2019
Your mother was a beautiful person, inside and out. Just being around her made you smile.
I'm so sorry for your loss.
Dan & Nancy Marchetti
September 9, 2019
Carl and Family. Our deepest sorrow for you loss. Your Mom was a special person. We will be out of town for the memorial but she is in our thoughts and prayers.
Dan & Nancy Marchetti
Suanne Bertain-Todorovic
September 8, 2019
May Eternal rest be granted to Virginia and may Perpetual light shine upon her soul. She is now with her beloved brother Danny, their other siblings and parents and her beloved husband Carl. May all their Souls and those of all the faithful departed rest in peace.
Teresa Levin
September 8, 2019
Virginia will be surely missed. She was an institution. She always greeted you as if you were her best friend! RIP.
Milton Iskra
September 8, 2019
To Don, Carl and Ann,
My sincere condolences for your loss. Your mother was a great women and you were blessed to have had her. I didn't know her well but had a few conversations in recent years at SBHS all class reunions.
There are no words that remove any pain of loss, but know there are people out here who care.
Milt Iskra
Dan Ball
September 8, 2019
Dear Carl and Family
We were very sad to read about your Mother's passing. She was a lovely lady and will be missed.
Dan and Moselle Ball
Lynn Navarro
September 8, 2019
Love to all! You have always been a part of my life. I will miss you!! Love Lynn
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