Virginia Bratchers Memorial Fund
Donation protected
Aloha, I am Tara the Granddaughter of Virgina Bratcher. I first want to say what a loss we have had in our community. Since taking my grandmother in due to the early death of my mother. I never imagined how many lives Virginia would touch. She was always my rock and it brings me so much joy to know how much love and laughter she received during her life and for this I thank you all. These last months have been difficult and since COVID makes it unable for us to be together and celebrate her life and memories, I was hoping this forum would allow us to share our funny stories and help raise money for her funeral. Virginia's last wish was to be buried next to her husband Jim in St. Petersburg, Florida. Any help is greatly appreciated. Thank you.
Below is her obituary.
Virginia Ruth Bratcher September 20th, 1919 - August 29th 2020
Virginia Ruth Bratcher was born in Toledo, Ohio on September 20th, 1919, beloved mother, grandmother and great grandmother joined the Lord on August 29th, 2020. This spunky woman just weeks away from her 101st birthday always believed she was in her 80s. This reflected a lot in her personality, leaving a lasting impression on whoever she met. A lover of dance and song she would strike up a tune with anyone willing to do so. Being such a flirt Virginia brought so much joy and laughter to her days at the Senior Center and her home at Timber Ridge Eureka. Since her memory “wasn't like it used to be”, she would come up with some crazy stories that kept us highly entertained. Raised on a farm, Virginia knew that hard work and being happy were key aspects to a long life. Born to Emma and Homer Freeman, sibling to two older brothers, Kenny and Howard and one younger sister Dorothy. She grew up loving baseball, with “Take Me Out to the Ballgame” being one of her favorite tunes. Growing up during the Great Depression, Virginia was known for never letting things go to waste, Many may remember her pocketing treasures found on the ground and always having an explanation as to what it could be used for.
After marrying the love of her life Jim they moved from Ohio to Monroe, Michigan, where they welcomed their daughter JoAnn into their lives in 1944. Shortly after relocating to St. Petersburg, Florida, where they built cottages for the snow bunnies, and maintained them as income. They were avid members of Allendale Methodist Church. Her time in Florida consisted of many trips to Sawgrass Lake, the beach, and her weekly lunch-bunch outings. She had also embarked on national and global travels, visiting all 50 U.S. States.
Making it just short of 101, anyone who knew Virginia would comment on her unshakable positive outlooks on life, and steady faith in the Lord. If you were to ask how she was doing, her trademark response was, “I’m fit as a fiddle and ready for love.” Virginia emanated joy and positivity, and was an active member of all her communities. In her later years she moved to Arcata, California to be with her granddaughter, Tara, and family. We wish to thank Timber Ridge Eureka and the PACE program for their love and support.
Virginia lives on through her beloved granddaughter, Tara, and two great-granddaughters Kai and Madison.
No memorial events are currently scheduled due to Covid. In lieu of flowers any contribution to the family's go fund me page will help towards her last burial wishes; resting next to the love of her life, Jim, at Memorial Park in St. Petersburg, Florida. Thank you so much.
Please share any memories you have of our beloved Virgina below, We feel this forum would be a great way to share the joys and laughters she brought to us.
Left to right: Great Granddaughter Madison, granddaughter Tara, Daughter JoAnn (deceased), Virgina, and Great granddaughter Kai.
Below is her obituary.
Virginia Ruth Bratcher September 20th, 1919 - August 29th 2020
Virginia Ruth Bratcher was born in Toledo, Ohio on September 20th, 1919, beloved mother, grandmother and great grandmother joined the Lord on August 29th, 2020. This spunky woman just weeks away from her 101st birthday always believed she was in her 80s. This reflected a lot in her personality, leaving a lasting impression on whoever she met. A lover of dance and song she would strike up a tune with anyone willing to do so. Being such a flirt Virginia brought so much joy and laughter to her days at the Senior Center and her home at Timber Ridge Eureka. Since her memory “wasn't like it used to be”, she would come up with some crazy stories that kept us highly entertained. Raised on a farm, Virginia knew that hard work and being happy were key aspects to a long life. Born to Emma and Homer Freeman, sibling to two older brothers, Kenny and Howard and one younger sister Dorothy. She grew up loving baseball, with “Take Me Out to the Ballgame” being one of her favorite tunes. Growing up during the Great Depression, Virginia was known for never letting things go to waste, Many may remember her pocketing treasures found on the ground and always having an explanation as to what it could be used for.
After marrying the love of her life Jim they moved from Ohio to Monroe, Michigan, where they welcomed their daughter JoAnn into their lives in 1944. Shortly after relocating to St. Petersburg, Florida, where they built cottages for the snow bunnies, and maintained them as income. They were avid members of Allendale Methodist Church. Her time in Florida consisted of many trips to Sawgrass Lake, the beach, and her weekly lunch-bunch outings. She had also embarked on national and global travels, visiting all 50 U.S. States.
Making it just short of 101, anyone who knew Virginia would comment on her unshakable positive outlooks on life, and steady faith in the Lord. If you were to ask how she was doing, her trademark response was, “I’m fit as a fiddle and ready for love.” Virginia emanated joy and positivity, and was an active member of all her communities. In her later years she moved to Arcata, California to be with her granddaughter, Tara, and family. We wish to thank Timber Ridge Eureka and the PACE program for their love and support.
Virginia lives on through her beloved granddaughter, Tara, and two great-granddaughters Kai and Madison.
No memorial events are currently scheduled due to Covid. In lieu of flowers any contribution to the family's go fund me page will help towards her last burial wishes; resting next to the love of her life, Jim, at Memorial Park in St. Petersburg, Florida. Thank you so much.
Please share any memories you have of our beloved Virgina below, We feel this forum would be a great way to share the joys and laughters she brought to us.
Left to right: Great Granddaughter Madison, granddaughter Tara, Daughter JoAnn (deceased), Virgina, and Great granddaughter Kai.Organizer
Tara and Matt Cooper
Organizer
Eureka, CA
