January 3, 2023
Virginia Mae Wallin (neé McMurray), of White Rock, passed away on January 3, 2023, twenty-four days before her 95th birthday. Virginia was predeceased by her husband of 32 years, Kenneth Elmer Wallin, in 1981.
Virginia was born in 1928 and grew up in Vancouver, roller-skating to high school down Granville Street and taking the trolley as a child. In 1947, fresh out of her senior matriculation, Virginia took a job at ABC Customs Brokers, where she learned the business quickly and would go on to teach it to returning Canadian GI's. She later worked at the University Endowment Lands.
After she retired, Virginia decided she wanted to travel. First with her dear friend, Jean Palliser, and later with her family, Virginia took herself off to see the world. She travelled to New Orleans and Alaska; to London, for a trip to Harrods; to walk in the forests in Haida Gwaii. Her curiosity, courage and sense of adventure made her a brilliant travelling companion.
Virginia was funny, insightful, quick-witted, and enormously kind. She sewed, quilted and sang; she adored animals. She was an active member of her church community and kept busy with walking groups, choirs, and lunches with the girls. Her social life put her teenage granddaughters to shame.
Virginia was a voracious reader all her life, and when she wasn't with her family her favourite place to be was curled up with a book. She always said that you can learn something from anything you read.
Virginia is survived by her son Gordon Kenneth and her daughter Christine Margaret, her four granddaughters, three great-grandsons and her great - granddaughter. She will be very dearly missed and loved forever.
A celebration of life will be held at Crescent United Church in February, dates to be announced. In Virginia's memory, friends wishing to do so may donate to the SPCA, Operation Smile, Covenant House or a charity close to their hearts.