Virginia D. LeMire, 83, long-time resident of Escanaba, died Thursday, September 21, 2006 at the Bishop Noa Home where she had resided for the past six years. She was born on September 12, 1923 in Webster Groves, Missouri and was the daughter of Harry T. and Margaret R. Stanton.
On May 27, 1944, after a three week courtship, Virginia married Robert. E. "Bob" LeMire, then a Captain in the U.S. Army in Battle Creek, Michigan. After living in Washington, D.C., they settled in Escanaba where she resided until her death. Bob preceded her in death on August 28, 1985. Virginia was a member of the St. Joseph's Church since converting to Catholicism in the early 1950's.
Virginia dedicated her life to her husband and raising their seven children and two granddaughters. She was a homemaker who enjoyed sewing, gardening, cooking, and was an avid reader. Virginia was a gracious lady who will be remembered by many as an extraordinary hostess. She welcomed many family and friends at her home in Escanaba and at the M-35 Ranch.
In addition to her parents and husband, Virginia was preceded in death by infant son, Patrick LeMire and daughter, Katherine LeMire. She is survived by her children, Robert E. "Rob" (Betty) LeMire, Jr., Escanaba; Michael D. (Mary) LeMire, Escanaba, Virginia E. "Ginny" O'Connell, Atlanta, GA; Thomas J. LeMire, North Dakota; Mary R. Williams, Escanaba; Margaret "Shelley" Tamburro, Alpharetta, GA; adopted granddaughters, Katherine A. (Gary) Bonicci, Titusville, FL and Maria M. LeMire, Escanaba; 17 grandchildren, 7 great-grandchildren, many nieces, nephews and very special friend, Donna Rockman Ritchie.
Visitation will be held on Sunday, September 24, from 4:00 until 7:00 PM, at the Skradski-Boyce Funeral Home in Escanaba. Parish prayers will be recited at 6:00 P.M. Mass of Christian Burial services celebrating the life of Virginia D. LeMire will be held on Monday 11:00 A.M., September 25, 2006 at the St. Joseph & St. Patrick Church in Escanaba, with Rev. Eric E. Olson officiating. Luncheon will follow in the church fellowship. Burial will follow at 2:00 P.M. at the Holy Cross Cemetery in Escanaba.
