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VIRGINIA ELIZABETH SECREST
November 24, 1927 ~ August 4, 2014
Virginia was born in Wilton, ND to William Kulackowski and Annie Emmons. She grew up on a farm with her three sisters and one brother. The family relocated to Vancouver, WA when she was in high school.
On April 30, 1949, she married William "Bill" Secrest whom she had met on a blind date. This was the beginning of a life together one could only dream of lasting 62 years until Bill passed away. They began their life together in Fairbanks, AK renting a friend's garage with temperatures outside dropping to 60 below zero. Bill and Virginia returned to Vancouver in 1951.
Virginia remained active, walking, swimming, baking, perfecting her home and yard until her unexpected passing on August 4, 2014. Her loving daughters were at her side when she passed.
Virginia retired from the Child Card Clinic as Office Manager.
Virginia and Bill, in love, partners, and best friends lived their retirement years to the fullest. Traveling, golfing, and family time were treasured. Virginia was very creative, whether sewing, baking, or quilting. She enjoyed trips to the casino. She always had a project she was working on.
She took great pleasure in doing for others. Her current project was knitting hats for children which she was going to deliver to The Homestead Share house this fall.
Virginia was an extra special wife,
mother, Nan, and friend.
Her family was most important to her. Virginia was preceded in death by her only granddaugther in 2007, Alexia Dorsay Erickson. She lost the love of her life, Bill in 2011. She also lost Baby, her beloved Shi-Tzu six months ago.
Virginia is survived by two daughters, Linda Miller (Larry) and Susan Erickson (Greg); grandsons, Brian Lott (Amber) and Erik Lott (Molly) and William Erickson; and her dearest friend, Phyllis Stajgr.
Private services are pending.
Please sign her guest book at: www.columbian.com/obits.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Thinking of my lovely Aunt. I miss her every day. Hugs Auntie Virgie...
Rebecca Buchanan
August 11, 2022
When I came to work at the Child Care Clinic in 1970, (we didn't have that title yet), Virginia treated me like a daughter-- often giving me advice from her life experiences . She was an excellent office manager, and took personal interest in all of the employees and our families. Whenever our Child Care Clinic Family gets together, We always remember Virginia . She always spoke loveingly of her husband Bill, children and grandchildren. I have always missed her. Sharon Borgerson
Sharon Borgerson
Coworker
August 5, 2020
Lynn Chamberlain
Coworker
August 4, 2020
Nanny and (Bill) lived across the street and were like Grandparents to me. Nanny would make ice cream cones whenever I came over and occasionally during the summer she would bring over an ice cream bar for me. I enjoyed swimming at their pool and visiting with them during the hot summer afternoons. Nanny was always there for me when I was sick and even took me on an Amtrak ride when I was little from Vancouver to Chehalis. Nanny could cheer me up when nothing else could and will always have a place in my heart. She will be greatly missed.
Derek Harper
September 8, 2014
Virginia was a very special friend and neighbor, always seeing the positive in everything and always ready to help out. How many times she was there with a pot of soup or baked good when we were sick. All the fun knitting patterns we shared. When our son Derek was born Virginia (Nanny) and Bill were his local grandparents. He has so many memories growing up with them across the street and all the adventures they had together. She will always be with us.
Laura Harper
September 8, 2014
Missing you Auntie.
~ Becky
August 21, 2014
To Linda and Susan,
My husband & I have been neighbors of your mom & dad for over 30 years. They were both the nicest people. When I would be out walking, if your mom was outside we would usually talk for a few minutes. She would always ask how are grown sons were doing.
She was such a lovely lady and so sweet.
I will miss seeing her watering her plants as I walk by. Our thoughts and prayers go out to your family...Debbie & Alan Stewart
August 17, 2014
Susan,
Please accept our condolences at the loss of one of this world's brightest lights, your adorable Mom. Always enjoyed our visits at the grocery store and around town. She did so much for all of the children at Our Lady of Lourdes school. God bless.
Mr. and Mrs George Miller
August 16, 2014
What a difference you made in my life. Thank you Mother
susan
August 15, 2014
Susan, your mother sounds like she was quite a gal. I'm sure your memories of her are a joy. The resemblance between you two is incredible. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family at this very sad time. Greg and Kathie Pluchos
August 13, 2014
You will be deeply missed my dear Auntie Virgie and godmother. You always made me feel loved and you never stopped telling me how very proud you were of "my little family". Thank you for "filling in" for my Mama; you two were so much alike. Being with you made me feel closer to her. When I heard the news of your passing I saw a little vision of you being greeted by Uncle Bill, Baby, Mom, Grandma, Alex, Marie, Dick and your beloved Lexi, and it made me smile through my tears. Thank you for your love and memories. Blessings and peace, Becky
Becky Buchanan
August 12, 2014
Our thoughts and prayers are with you Linda, Susan, husbands and kids. We will miss her terribly. She was our touchstone, and we will miss her terribly.
We are here for you if you need anything!
Michelle & Zachary Izon
August 12, 2014
My prayers go out to your family Virgie.
You were such a positive light to all those you touched.
Much love to you and Bill.
Leslie McGee
August 12, 2014
Dearest Mother,
Beautiful, gentle spirit and soul. Caretaker to all. Everyday you had a smile. My best friend. Will miss you dearly forever.
Love, Linda
August 12, 2014
When I first joined the family, I hadn't had a grandmother in my life for a long time. Nan welcomed me with open arms & always treated me as her own. She will be hugely missed in our family. RIP Nan.
Molly Lott
August 12, 2014
Dear Mother
How lucky was I to have you for my best friend and mom. I will miss you more than words can ever say. Hold Lexi very tight for me. And Dad. All my love, daughter Susan
August 11, 2014
My thoughts and prayers go out to Susan and Linda and their families. My many years working with Virginia at the Child Care Clinic were very special. She was my mentor and my friend, and will be forever missed.
Sharon Borgerson
August 11, 2014
Working as an R N at the Child Care Clinic was a dream job. As our manager, Virginia truly was a special lady. She looked after all of us like a mother hen with her chicks. She made us beautiful handcrafts as gifts, and was a great friend.
My thoughts and prayers are with the family.
Alona Steinke
August 11, 2014
such unexpected sad news. I and all her friends at Lake Shore Pool will miss her smile and positive atitude for a very very long time. We miss you "Virgie" !!
August 11, 2014
Virginia was such a special lady, excellent boss and I considered her as a second mother. She will be missed. Rip Virginia. So glad we were able to get together last December. It was a great visit and all the memories. Like Dr Clark said CCC was a family and it was an honor to work with you..
Lynn Chamberlain
August 10, 2014
I did not know Virginia, I heard great things about her from my brother Larry and Linda, I know she was a great Mom by how well she brought up Linda whom is a wonderful loving person. I am so sorry for your loss ,my thoughts and love go out to all of you
August 10, 2014
The Child Care Clinic, with Virginia as Manager, was like a family. There were wonderful potluck lunches, holiday celebrations, fantastic handcrafted items for everyone. Every Christmas the hand embroidered angel she made for my family, "Virginia" , graces the top of our tree. She was so multitalented, such a fine person. I am so glad to have known her. Dr. Calvin Clark
Calvin Clark, MD
August 10, 2014
Virginia was a wonderful friend and co-worker at The Child Care Clinic, so positive and cheerful, full of love for her family. My sincere sympathy to her family.
Phyllis Black
August 10, 2014
Dearest Virgie,
Thank you so much for your love and kindness to all but especially to us in the care of your new friend. You will be missed so much! I know Maggie loved you as much as you loved her! Yes, when we saw you Saturday, Maggie did remember you just as you had hoped she would. She was really happy to see you! My love and prayers to your family, you are a precious lady.
Joyce H
August 10, 2014
Lynn Chamberlain
August 10, 2014
Virginia was a wonderful mother in law that I had the privilege of knowing for over 23 years. She maintained a positive attitude and had a good clear mind and remained physically fit. I will always treasure our trips to the casino where she would tell me about events that happened during her amazing life and always said how much she loved her husband, daughters, and grandchildren. I will miss her dearly.
Larry Miller
August 10, 2014
Sorry for your loss. Our hearts and prayers are with you.
--The Richard, Roxanna, and Maya Miller
The Millers
August 10, 2014
Back together
Rod Mc Gee
August 10, 2014
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