Virginia Pfeifer

Virginia Elizabeth Pfeifer was an easygoing lady that enjoyed the comforts of a simple and honest lifestyle. She was perfectly happy spending time with her loved ones and didn't need thousands of flashy distractions in her life. She was a fun and caring woman who made everyone feel special when she was near.

Virginia was born on June 15, 1914 to Harry C. Pfeifer and Adeline E. Harshbarger. She was the second of seven children. Her father, during her young years, owned a grocery store in North Kalamazoo. He was approached by A&P to manage a store for the company. During this time his employment with A&P required numerous moves to different cities. The last city being Ludington before returning to Kalamazoo. After she graduated from high school, Virginia remained in Ludington to work for a local business, but she moved back to Kalamazoo when the opportunity presented itself. She took a job at Kalasign in Kalamazoo as an office assistant and from there she took a position as a switchboard operator for the Kalamazoo county road commission and would remain there until her retirement.

Virginia never married but instead took to her nieces and nephews like she was their second mother. Virginia lived in a big old house on Lane Blvd with her sister Vernyle for many years. She loved to tell the kids ghost stories and then bet them a quarter that they couldn't climb the stairs up to the second floor or down into the basement. Virginia always won - the staircase was always way too dark for the spooked kids to overcome. She used to take them to drive-in movies in her old yellow Chrysler and they would dance together often. No matter what she did with her nieces and nephews, no one was ever left out. She made sure each and every person felt special and made an art form out of spoiling these kids.

Virginia attended St. Joseph Catholic Church in Kalamazoo for many years. She liked to make baked goods for church functions, especially her infamous fudge. Everyone that was fortunate enough to sample her fudge said that it was the best. She was also an avid card player. She always had a great time playing with friends and her all-time favorite game was Canasta.

She retired in 1979 from the road commission after many years of dedicated employment. She spent her retirement participating in the activities that brought her the most happiness. She liked to gather with friends and relatives and go to dinner at various local restaurants, especially when they would play cards afterwards. When it came to travel she favored waterfalls; the beauty and majesty of these wonders fascinated Virginia. She liked to visit the falls in Northern Michigan and of course see the great mists of Niagara Falls. Though she was a big fan of traveling, she didn't mind staying home either. Virginia was always ready to relax with a good book or just watch her favorite TV programs.

Throughout her life, Virginia remained devoted to her family and to her church. Her greatest passion through and through were the nieces and nephews whom she centered her world around.

Virginia passed away on Friday August 15, 2003 at Windsor Estates. She is predeceased by her parents, Harry C. and Adeline E. Pfeifer; four sisters, Dorothy M. Grotemat, Vernyle M. Pfeifer, Adeline E. Carboneau, Beverly J. Pfeifer and her brother-in-law, Roy C. Grotemat. Surviving is her sister, Nancy J. (H. Robert) Dixon of Kalamazoo; a brother, Harry C. (Margaret) Pfeifer of La Mesa, CA; brother-in-law, Leonard Carboneau of Grand Rapids, MI and several nieces and nephews which includes a special niece, Beverly (Duane) Aerts of Mattawan.

Friends may visit the family on Monday from 6-9 PM at the Betzler Funeral Home on Stadium Drive where a Rosary will be said at 8:00 PM that evening. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated Tuesday 10:30 am at St. Catherine of Siena Catholic Church. Burial will follow at Mt. Olivet Cemetery. To read Virginia's complete life story, share a memory, send flowers, or make a memorial contribution to either St. Joseph Catholic Church of VNA Hospice, please visit her personal web page at www.lifestorynet.com.

Virginia was a very devoted and caring person that strove to make each of her loved ones feel special. She will be greatly missed.