Obituary of Virginia Viau

Virginia ViauBorn Feb 17th 1950, died Dec 15th 2019 Virginia died peacefully at home on the night of a fresh snowfall. When doctors said she had terminal cancer and that less than 20% of people with that type of cancer survive 12 months, Virginia declared, “I am not like most people.” That was 3 1/2 years ago. Virginia was strong-willed, resilient and determined. These characteristics no doubt helped her as she dealt with many health challenges in her life including partial blindness as a result of a brain tumour in 2002. Thanks to doctors like Ruth Biggar, Virginia learned to adapt to things like no longer being able to drive anymore, overcoming struggles with bipolar and depression following the brain surgery. She went on to travel extensively in Canada and then the world, visiting places that she thought a little girl growing up on an isolated farm near Ellisville ON could only dream of; including Buenos Aires, Costa Rica, Dubai, England, Jamaica, Key Largo, LA, Miami, Monte Carlo, Portugal, Prague, Rome, St Petersburg, Sweden, Switzerland and too many more to mention. On these journeys she met many wonderful people making friends and creating many shared memories with Don. Barbados was her last trip and she made sure to enjoy Hockey Night at Bert’s Bar with fellow fans to cheer on her Sens. But what was most important to her was her family. She took joy in visiting her extended family including many Aunts, Uncles, siblings and in-laws or friends like Mary Lou in Victoria to catch up, share stories and laughter. She also enjoyed hosting family gatherings where her love of baking always ensured that anyone who visited did not go home hungry or empty handed. Christmas was always a wonderful opportunity to take out family recipes and bake everyone’s favorites including her Grandma Stuart’s fruitcake from a recipe handwritten in 1939. In addition to a love for baking, she enjoyed knitting and was a member of group who referred to themselves as Cultured Pearls. Painting ceramics became a passion for her, and many pieces adorn homes of family and friends that lead to orders from their friends. She participated in many craft shows and her work always drew many admiring comments – and sales. As a nurse, Virginia started at the Grace Hospital in Ottawa, later moving into geriatric care where she found her calling. Virginia was a giver and a helper so became an active volunteer in whatever community she lived in, including Kanata, Kingston, Guelph, Kars and the last 15 years in Manotick. In her final days, she was surrounded by those she loved most. Loving wife of Don for over 40 years; dear mom to Shauna (Bruno), Daniel and David; cherished Grannie to Jack and James; big sister “Ginga” to Sally (Fraser) and little sister to RubyAnn (Lloyd). Predeceased by her brother Barry, as well as her father Lloyd Jones and mother Laura (nee Blackman). Sister-in-law to Pierrette Viau, Jacqueline Stoodley, Robert Viau, and Vincent Viau. Aunt “Virgie” to Cindy and her girls, as well as Aunt or Great Aunt to many others. Living with cancer, Virginia was supported by a phenomenal team of doctors and caregivers. A special ‘Thank You’ goes to Dr. Priscilla Bright (whose authentic style and humour were definitely appreciated) and to Betty Wheeler who quickly went from PSW to dear friend - baking, singing, and laughing together. A Celebration of Life will take place on January 4th from 2-4 pm in reception rooms Carleton and B at Capital Funeral Home 3700 Prince of Wales Drive, Nepean ON. Refreshments and wine will be served – as Virginia would appreciate - with a toast in her honour around 3 pm. In lieu of flowers, donations to the Canadian Cancer Society, or to the Heart and Stroke Foundation, or a charity of your choice are appreciated.