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Virginia Agnes O’Brien was born July 10, 1920, and went to be with the Lord on November 7, 2012. While visiting a friend at the hospital, she unexpectedly and peacefully passed away.
Virginia was born in Ellerbe, North Carolina, one of eleven children, to Jasper and Mae Covington. Following high school, she was trained as a beautician. At age 21, she met and married Paul F. O’Brien. After living in Dallas and Chicago, she settled in Winona, Minnesota.
Paul and Virginia had nine children. When Virginia lost her husband at age 47, she independently raised her family, ages 2 – 22. She went on to receive her teaching degree at Winona State University and began to share her lifelong love of learning. She was an exceptional teacher within the Winona Catholic Schools until age 70. She thoroughly enjoyed her students and maintained a connection with several throughout their lives.
Virginia also enjoyed serving her community as a realtor for more than 30 years. When she retired at age 87, she remained active, swimming, traveling, reigning as the Queen of Scrabble, sharing her love for Rumikub, gardening, and visiting with family and friends.
She was a devout Catholic and inspired faith in many. She will always be in our hearts. Virginia will be remembered as a loving mother, devoted teacher, trusted realtor, and loyal friend.
Virginia is survived by her children: Michael, Paul, Teresa Manlove, Kevin (Sandi), Patrick (Julie), Virginia, Rosemary Coons, Maryanne (Michael), 22 grandchildren and 10 great- grandchildren. She is also survived by her sisters: Lula Haywood and Lila Ussery and her brothers: Lindberg and Clegg Covington. She was preceded in death by her husband, Paul, son, Dennis, and siblings: Winfred, Allen, Alva, Thelma, Ollie and Zona.
Visitation will be from 1:00 to 4:00 p.m., Saturday, November 10, at Fawcett-Junker Funeral Home, Winona, MN. A rosary will be said at 3:30 p.m.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be offered at 1:30 p.m. Sunday, November 11, at The Basilica of Saint Stanislaus Kostka, Winona, Minn., with a visitation at 12:15 p.m. Interment will be at St. Mary’s Cemetery, Winona, Minn.
In memory of Virginia, we suggest one of her favorite charities, an orphanage and school in India led by Father Swaminatha Pothireddy. Donations may be sent to Fr. Swaminatha Pothireddy, P.O. Box 185, New Richland, Minn., 56072-0815, or to Winona Area Food Shelf, 416 East Second Street, Winona, Minn., 55987.
May Virginia rest in peace and live on in our hearts.
Words of sympathy or remembrance may be left at www.fawcett-junkerfuneralhome.comServices entrusted to Fawcett-Junker Funeral Home and Cremation Service, Winona.
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