Virginia D. LeMire, 83, long-time resident of Escanaba, died Thursday, September 21, 2006 at the Bishop Noa Home where she had resided for the past six years. She was born on September 12, 1923 in Webster Groves, Missouri and was the daughter of Harry T. and Margaret R. Stanton.
On May 27, 1944, after a three week courtship, Virginia married Robert. E. “Bob” LeMire, then a Captain in the U.S. Army in Battle Creek, Michigan. After living in Washington, D.C., they settled in Escanaba where she resided until her death. Bob preceded her in death on August 28, 1985. Virginia was a member of the St. Joseph’s Church since converting to Catholicism in the early 1950’s.
Virginia dedicated her life to her husband and raising their seven children and two granddaughters. She was a homemaker who enjoyed sewing, gardening, cooking, and was an avid reader. Virginia was a gracious lady who will be remembered by many as an extraordinary hostess. She welcomed many family and friends at her home in Escanaba and at the M-35 Ranch.
In addition to her parents and husband, Virginia was preceded in death by infant son, Patrick LeMire and daughter, Katherine LeMire. She is survived by her children, Robert E. “Rob” (Betty) LeMire, Jr., Escanaba; Michael D. (Mary) LeMire, Escanaba, Virginia E. “Ginny” O’Connell, Atlanta, GA; Thomas J. LeMire, North Dakota; Mary R. Williams, Escanaba; Margaret “Shelley” Tamburro, Alpharetta, GA; adopted granddaughters, Katherine A. (Gary) Bonicci, Titusville, FL and Maria M. LeMire, Escanaba; 17 grandchildren, 7 great-grandchildren, many nieces, nephews and very special friend, Donna Rockman Ritchie.
Visitation will be held on Sunday, September 24, from 4:00 until 7:00 PM, at the Skradski Funeral Home in Escanaba. Parish prayers will be recited at 6:00 P.M. Mass of Christian Burial services celebrating the life of Virginia D. LeMire will be held on Monday 11:00 A.M., September 25, 2006 at the St. Joseph & St. Patrick Church in Escanaba, with Rev. Eric E. Olson officiating. Luncheon will follow in the church fellowship. Burial will follow at 2:00 P.M. at the Holy Cross Cemetery in Escanaba.
Anonymous
To Rob, Mike, and the rest of the LeMire family: I was so sorry to read of the passing of your Mom. Many happy hours were spent in your home on Lake Shore drive watching “big” football games when we were in HS. Sincerely, Dick DeGrand
Richard deGrand
Ann Arbor, MI
On behalf of the Lark family I wish to express our sincere condolences on the loss of your mother. The tributes expressed here show how many lives your mother has touched through the years. She was a very special person.
Meadow Lark Erickson
West Bend, WI
Mary R LeMire Williams, and entire LeMire Family,
Sincere condolence goes out to you and everyone, in behalf of the loss of your Mother, and loved one, Virginia LeMire.
May Brother Jesus embrace you with His devine love and comfort during this time of sorrow.
May He help your heart be still in knowing that your loved one is not depart from you. Rather, she is just a heart felt beat away within you, and always.
Where you are, she is.
Kindest Regards, your 1978 Classmate,
~~Jan Kidd-Dahn
092506
ps: “Lean On Me” 1972 by Bill Withers. Mary, I’m in the book.
Jan C Kidd-Dahn
Escanaba, MI
To the LeMire Family — My deepest condolences at this time of loss. I would have preferred to attend the services in person, but my own declining health keeps me at home. Take the measure of a life well-lived and let the memories be the monument.
Thomas R. McGovern
Escanaba, MI
My Deepest Sympathy to the family. My grandmother and grandfather, Millie and Emil Scheeneman, knew Virginia, Bob and the kids for many, many years. They even lived upstairs of one of your homes in Escanaba for a time. I recall Mary and Shelley the most, as they were closest to my age. My deepest sympathy to you all during this difficult time.
Leeann Peterson (Scheeneman)
Misawa AB, Japan
Kathy and family – I’m so sorry for your loss. Your grandmother was a very sweet and patient person.
Nicole Zerbel-Ivers
Atlanta, GA
I remember growing up with the LeMire family and have the fondest memories of Ms. LeMire and her entire family. I spent many days and nights at Ms LeMire’s and her warm and welcoming home. I know she is celebrating with our Savior Jesus Christ of her homecoming.
Stephen (& Donna) Johnson
Duluth (Atlanta), GA
Gran
What a wonderful and loving person you were. I will miss you dearly, Gran, but will find comfort in knowing that you have been reunited with Papa in heaven. Thank you so much for everything you did for me, and rest in peace knowing that your life and love will continue on in those of us fortunate enough to have known and loved you all our lives.
Kathleen
Kathleen M. O’Connell
Atlanta, GA
My Dearest Granny,
I miss you already.
Is it true, Gran, that I don’t get any more time on Earth with you? So many questions for you.
What are you doing? Who are you with? How is Aunt Kathy after all these years? Grandpa? Patrick? Are you happy? Do you see us?
What was it now that Milly used to always say? “You gotta’ keep a goin'”. I said to Maria the other night “What would Granny say?” You gotta’ keep a goin’ was her reply. I know. I know, Gran. It just seemed so different when you said it.
This is the part where you’d probably say “Kath, don’t be silly. This is the way life goes”. It just would seem so different if you were here to say it
So practical. Last year, in my struggle to relate, I asked, “Are you scared?” It was in that very moment, with your response, that I felt so small. Do you remember? You turned and looked at me as if I was coming from Outfield (way Outfield) and said, “Scared? Scared of what?”
I want to be like that when I grow up.
How I’ve felt for you over these last years. The loss of so much control. I’m sorry it turned out that way, Gran. The inability to “get up and go”. This must have been hard.
May you finally find comfort now. May you surround yourself with all those that went before you and all the angels you spoke so often of.
My promise is that you will remain with me everyday of my life. And, now, as I refuse to say Goodbye, I say “Remain within me. Guide me and prepare for my coming too. I simply can’t wait to see you.”
My Everlasting Love, Gratitude and Respect,
Katherine Ann LeMire-Bonnici
Titusville, FL
The journey of life is so trying
So many trials we have to go through
But one of the hardest trials is a loss
Someone who’s always been there when you needed them
Someone who’s love was so giving
Although we think she stopped living
She’s in the land of where lives last
Her time here is a thing of the past
She’s soaring ever higher with God
Not being tied down by her Earthly bod
And her love continues to surround you
She follows in everything you do
In your heart and in your soul
She touches you so you’ll know
Her spirit is around
Wherever you are found
She’ll always love you
IN everything you do
Bud Lemire
Escanaba, MI
To a grand Mother I married into who brought my wife to become the women she is now, A women who I met and made me feel so welcome, We laughed at differet things (both meaning the same) We danced when you could not walk properly, I took you for a walk and gave you pnemonia, well granny you forgave me, I married your grandaughter. And I now know you must of accepted me, For these many reasons. I once again thank you and wish you all the blessings the good Lord has given me. Take care in heaven granny, you are sorely missed. P.S Our son Joseph Thomas will be told of his great grandmother that made his mother the most beautiful and strong person in the world.
Gary Bonnici
Titusville, FL
Our condolences to the LeMire family from the family of John and Ruth Loeffler.
Liz Loeffler Killian
Madison, WI
Dearest Aunt Virginia,
My sister Jeanne and I loved you so much. You always made us feel a part of your family with welcoming hugs, asking about our lives and experiences, and your wonderful sense of humor and musical laughter. Thank you for all you gave to us. It is indelible in our hearts and memories. Your children were more than cousins to us, more like brothers and sisters. My son laughs like Uncle Bob, that same wonderful delighted chortle. We are connected to you and Uncle Bob and your children forever.
May you rest in peace and all the love that you gave to so many continue on.
Pat Poffenberger Maslowski
Drake, CO