Virginia K. Minella, nee Kosinski, 88, of LaGrange Park, passed away peacefully surrounded by her children on March 16, 2016 at Cantata Adult Life Services in Brookfield. She was born on May 9, 1927 in Cicero, IL to Stanley and Mary Kosinski, the youngest of 8 children. After graduation from Morton High School, she entered the clerical pool at Western Electric in Cicero. There she met many friends who remain close to this day. After meeting the love of her life, Frank, on a blind date, they enjoyed 54 years of marriage together. Virginia took time off to raise 8 children and then returned to the workforce and became the music teacher at the Kensington School of LaGrange for 24 years. She truly loved to spend time with her family and actively participated in many clubs at St. Louise de Marillac Church. She is a very special person who will be greatly missed. Virginia was preceded in death by her parents, her 7 siblings, her husband, Frank, grandson Eric Fencl and great-granddaughter Gail Lucia Minella. She was the loving mother to Mike (Gail) of Batavia, IL, Larry (Keena) of Kewanee, IL, Christine Fencl of LaGrange Park, David (Dawn) of Western Springs, Nancy (Kean) Irwin of LaGrange, Susan (Dan) Powers of LaGrange, Sandra Minella of San Francisco, CA, and Ron of LaGrange Park. She is also survived by 21 grandchildren, 8 great-grandchildren and sister-in-law Camille Cumbo of Downers Grove. A wake will be held at Hallowell & James Funeral Home, 1025 W. 55th St., Countryside on Friday, March 18, 2016 from 3 to 9pm. Prayers 9am Saturday, March 19, 2016 at the funeral home to St. Louise de Marillac Church, 1144 Harrison Ave., LaGrange Park for Mass at 10am. Interment Queen of Heaven Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Comboni Missionaries, 1615 E. 31st St., LaGrange Park, IL 60526, St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, Memphis, TN and St. Louise de Marillac Church. Funeral home phone 708/352-6500 or www.hjfunerals.com
My most sincere sympathy to the children of Virginia. She was dedicated to her family and shared her love to all of them. I never had a sister but I considered Virginia like my sister. In our later years, we became traveling companions. I would always pick her up when we went to the Cousins Club or extended familly affairs. Only until the last year or so, that ended when we BOTH started to need help walking. She was a loving and kind person….she will be truely missed by many. I will miss you Virg….you left me alone with all these kids , and for that I’m thankful for! Good Night Virginia…love you…..say hello to everyone on the other side.
Camille
Hi. I’m sorry for your family’s loss. Phyllis Lake
I was very saddened to learn of Virginia’s passing. I will forever be grateful for having an opportunity to meet her and some of her beautiful children, that she was so proud of. I regret not having a chance to see and speak to her one more time. She has been in my thoughts so often these last few months, I often found myself thinking, “I need to call her”, but everyday life can get in the way of even the best intentions , and the time zone difference between us, prevented me from doing so on a few occasions. I guess “Never put off tomorrow what you can do today” should have been my guide. To the family, you are all in my thoughts and prayers. Just know that the families in Arizona are praying for your comfort and peace at this time. God Bless all of you. I will miss you dearly Virginia, but I know my Mom and Dad will love to see you again in heaven!
I worked with Virginia at the Kensington Preschool for many years. She was a wonderful lady to know and vey dedicated to the children. She took care of the paper work, assisted the teachers and could play the piano by ear for music time. Some children called her Mrs. Vanilla. Most amazing to us was her ability to remember the names and stories about children we had many years ago. During our retirement years we still got together as dear friends. I will miss picking her up for our luncheons.
Virginia loved the Lord and is with Him in all glory this Easter. My sympathy Minella Family.