Virginia D. Stalker

Virginia D. Stalker, age 83, passed away May 29, 2014 in her quiet, restful room at Emeritus of Willoughby, in the hands of caring staff and vigilant family members. She was born June 24, 1930 in Cleveland; she moved to Mayfield and graduated from Mayfield High School in 1949. As a young mom, she relocated to Mentor where she raised her six children and continued to reside for over 50 years. Virginia cherished her growing family and close friends, as well as her beloved pets. During her life, she always managed to forge ahead even in difficult times, determined to remain independent and strong, even as she faced illness and its setbacks. She was at peace recalling the adventures of her life: working at local nurseries, maintaining her own beautiful gardens at home, babysitting for working moms while raising her own family, perch fishing on Lake Erie, working toy assembly in a small factory, visiting with fellow vendors at local flea markets while discovering treasures to add to her own collection. Virginia loved toys especially dolls, from “vintage” to “Barbie’s” to “Brats.” Her “house of toys” lived on to the delight of her children, grand-children and great-grand-children, who will always remember her as the “Grandma who never grew-up!” She encouraged all who knew her to follow their dreams and remain young at heart. Virginia is survived by her children: Mike (Carol) Shaw, Linda Ippolito, Terri Massucci, Marlene Seuffert and Carl Stalker; grandchildren: Michael Shaw, Kerry Shaw, Frank Ippolito, Andrea (Randy) George, Christina Ippolito, Jennifer (Brian) Frey, Daniel Massucci, Michael Massucci, Brian (Diana) Warner, and Adam (Julie) Warner; great-grandchildren: Michael Shaw, Katelyn Frey, Bradley Frey, Stella Mae George, “Baby” Bayus; brother, Ray (Diane) Miller, sisters, Joann (Lanny) Keyston, Noreen Jorgensen; nieces and nephews and their families. Virginia was preceded in death by her husband of 51 years, Francis E. Stalker, daughter, Tina Louise Tyneski, son-in-law, Frank V. Ippolito, and parents: Dorothy and Keith W. Miller. The family will receive friends at 6 p.m. with funeral service to follow at 8 p.m. on Wednesday, June 4th, at the Brunner Sanden Deitrick Funeral Home & Cremation Center 8466 Mentor Ave., Mentor, OH 44060. Private family inurnment will take place at a later date at the Mentor Cemetery, Mentor, OH. Contributions may be made in memory of Virginia to the Parkinson Foundation N. E. Region P.O. Box 271 Tallmadge, OH 44278-0271 or the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation (JDRF) 6100 Rockside Woods Boulevard, Suite 445 Independence, OH 44131. Send flowers and offer condolences at www.brunners.com

Virginia D. Stalker

June 24, 1930 - May 29, 2014