Virginia C. Falk, age 67, of Waterford, left her earthly body and went on to celebrate her heavenly birthday on February 23, 2009. The daughter of the late Elmer E. and Marian R. Rhoades Nelson was born on October 26, 1941 in Geneva, PA. She was raised in Edinboro and graduated from General McLane High School in 1960. Virginia was employed for almost 30 years at Elgin Electronics, retiring in 1989. She was an active member of the First Presbyterian Church of Waterford.
Falk, Virginia C.Virginia is survived by her loyal and devoted husband and caregiver, John W. Falk, Jr. with whom she shared 40 blessed years of marriage. She is also survived by the light of her life, her daughter, her friend and caregiver, Tammy Hammer and her husband Rob; her beautiful granddaughter Nicki Schoonover and her husband Jim, and her handsome grandsons, Bob Hammer and Tony Hammer; her precious great-grandchildren, Isabelle and Kyra Schoonover and Alivia, Abigail and Logan Hammer. She is also survived by her brothers and sisters, Warren (Wick) Nelson (wife Phyllis) of New Kensington, PA, Norma (Tots) Dunton of Jonesboro, AR, Darlene (Pal) Tysiachney (husband Daniel) of Edinboro, Boyd (Ben) Nelson (wife Kay) of Edinboro, and Muriel (Bunny) Reighard (husband Jim) of Albion; also, her brothers-in-law, Wellman Falk of Waterford and William Falk of New York, NY; her sister-in-law Donna Falk of Elsmere, DE; and many nieces and nephews.
Virginia (Dixie) grew up on a farm in Edinboro. Times were tough for Virginia and her family but through hard work and their faith in God, they were able to make it through even the toughest of times. Her parents instilled in her a lifelong love for God and the importance of putting Him first in life.
During her working years at Elgin Electronics, Virginia made many friends with whom she shared good times and cherished memories. Even after leaving Elgin, so many years ago, her friends still kept in touch with her, especially after she became ill. They would call, send cards and gifts, and even visit her. It always meant so much to her to have them as a part of her life. Virginia was always the “best friend” that anyone could have, so it was no wonder why she had so many.
Virginia was an active member of the First Presbyterian Church of Waterford. She was chosen as “church-person of the year” in 1990, an honor she cherished. She served as a Sunday School teacher, sang in the choir and was instrumental in establishing the building fund, serving as its Treasurer. Through hard work and dedication, Virginia was also able to “pave the way” for many much needed improvements to the church. She was also in charge of planning and organizing the Vacation Bible School program, which became one of the best programs around. She loved the children and made sure that there was never a dull moment. She always had a way of making learning about Jesus fun for them. She was truly a kid at heart. When Virginia became ill and could no longer participate, it truly broke her heart. It was such a huge part of her life and she really missed it, but the children never forgot her. They sent cards, special gifts, pictures, and visited her. They let her know that her love and devotion to God was passed on to them and would live on through them.
The sunshine of Virginia’s life was her family. She married Junior on November 2, 1968. Together they raised their daughter, Tammy. They shared many wonderful times together as a family, from vacationing, to camping and motorcycle trips, to Sunday drives, breakfasts at the beach and picnics. Tammy and her husband, Rob, gave Virginia three beautiful grandchildren, Nicki, Bob, and Tony. They were the “apple of her eye.” She shared many happy times with them through the years, from sleepovers and shopping trips, to baking cookies and playing games, coloring eggs, taking trips to the zoo, feeding the ducks, picnics and bonfires, vacations and swimming, “fun” trips to the dentist, tee-ball games, softball, football and baseball games, wrestling matches, weddings and births. “Mam”, as the kids called her, was the best grandma in the world and they felt truly blessed to have her in their lives. The world will be a better place because she instilled in them so many wonderful qualities and showed them the important things in life. She will live on through them.
The most special part of Virginia’s life was being a great-grandma. The kids called her “Mam-Mam”. They shared many blessed memories in just the short amount of time they had together. Through those special moments, the children came to know Jesus. She planted the seed that will grow along with them throughout their lives. They will all miss their “Mam-Mam” very much but they now know that they have their very own special angel to watch over them.
When Virginia was diagnosed with Multiple Systems Atrophy in 2005, it was devastating, but her faith and perseverance never faltered. She fought a long hard battle, all the while testifying to God and knowing He was by her side. She was an inspiration to all who knew her, not only her family and friends, but also the doctors and nurses who took care of her. She never gave up or asked “why me?” Her faith remained strong right up until the very end when Jesus took her hand and led her home. All who had the honor and privilege to know her will remember Virginia. She was a kind, dear soul and will be missed by so many. We thank God for giving us His special angel. We rejoice now because we know she is with God and He is saying, “Well done my child”. The world is truly a better place because she was here.
Calling hours will be at the Van Matre Funeral Home, West First and Walnut Streets, Waterford on Wednesday from 2-4 and 7-9pm. Funeral services will take place at the First Presbyterian Church of Waterford on Thursday at 10:00am with Rev. Emily Zeig officiating. Interment will follow at Waterford Cemetery.
Memorials may be made to the First Presbyterian Church of Waterford or to Great Lakes Hospice of Erie.