Virginia Toomey, 71, of Hickory Hills, IL, entered into eternal life in the early morning hours of March 16th.

Born in Chicago, IL to her beloved parents, Carlo and Ruth, Virginia was the eldest of two daughters, whose vibrant and spunky personality she often credited to her maternal grandmother, Cecilia.

At the age of 15, Virginia met her life partner, Terry, and together they celebrated almost 50 years of marriage. Terry always referred to Virginia as his "beautiful bride," and he revered her deeply, admiring her intelligence, strength, compassion, and courage. As a pair, they created a remarkable life anchored by love and devotion.

In her role as mother, Virginia shared an irreplaceable bond with her only daughter, Erin. She wrapped her daughter in unconditional and unwavering love, leading by example, and always embodying selflessness. Perhaps, though, her most precious role was that of "Gaga" to her three grandchildren, whom she loved completely, and who adored her with the entirety of their little hearts.

Her life's work was a great source of pride for Virginia, who was a fixture of St. Rene Goupil School, where she taught for 23 years ahead of its closing. She was steadfast in her commitment to the countless children and families she served. Virginia's love for the school community was immense, and she was a stalwart supporter of all the students who entered her classroom, each of whom held a special and forever place in her heart.

Virginia emanated light. It was impossible to be in her presence without feeling her warmth and love. She could disarm anyone with her smile, and her fierce sense of humor was infectious. She adored cooking for others, especially her son-in-law, Tom, whom she considered more of a son than an in-law, and her adeptness in the kitchen assured plentiful portion-sizes and leftovers-for-days. She had an affinity for animals, one that she shared with her husband and daughter, and she rescued and loved many of them over the course of her lifetime. She had a knack for gardening, singing, Aldi finds, wholesale stockpiling, spoiling her grandchildren with Step2 toys, and laughing with her whole soul. She always placed others first, without question and without expectation. She was the center of her family's universe, serving as a constant and immovable source of comfort, support, and lifeforce, and she will be deeply and profoundly missed.

Virginia is survived by her husband, Terry, her daughter, Erin, her "son," Tom, her three grandchildren, Colin, Noah, and Avery, her sister, Cecilia (Terry) Marc and her many nieces and nephews. She is preceded in death by her parents, Carlo and Ruth.

Virginia's passing creates an insurmountable chasm, but her legacy will forever ripple across the continuum.

Rest easy, Virginia. You are so loved.