Virginia McFrederick

Although she lived an enriched life full of so many experiences that were deeply meaningful to her, there was nothing that was of greater significance to Virginia McFrederick than being surrounded by her loved ones. She was a giving, compassionate, and independent woman whose quiet strength and graceful courage through the storms of life were truly inspiring. The matriarch of her family, Virginia "Nana" was filled with unspeakable joy to witness her family tree blossom all of who made her very proud and included five generations. She was active in the communities she called home, and with her warm and approachable demeanor she drew others near with ease. A blessing to those around her, Virginia will be forever missed by the numerous people she touched along her incredible life’s journey.

The year 1918 was greeted with great celebration in America as WWI came to an end, which left the U.S. recognized as a world leader for the first time. Innovation led the way into the Roaring Twenties that were filled with great prosperity for nearly all Americans. Poised for greatness, the 1920s witnessed more affordable cars, and amazing strides forward in the world of flight due to the adventurous spirit of Charles Lindbergh. It was just prior to the end of WWI that a young couple from Minneapolis, Minnesota, was pleased to announce the birth of their healthy baby girl on May 26th. Welcomed into the world by her parents, Edwin and Amy (Fyffe) Brandenburg, Virginia May was the apple of her parents’ eye.

Even as a young girl Virginia was extraordinary. She was a voracious reader who preferred to read over anything else. Virginia’s love for reading led to her first library card when she was only six years old. Most of her best friends were neighborhood dogs as she didn’t want to be a part of the “silly games” that young kids so often take part in. The neighborhood dogs escorted Virginia on her walk to school. She did enjoy ice skating and was skilled too, as her father was an avid skater. Virginia was a student at local schools where she excelled in her studies. As a high school student her family moved, and she went on to attend West High in Cleveland Public Schools. Virginia graduated in 1937 and was a member of the National Honor Society. Her favorite puppy was Mitzi while growing up.

As a young woman Virginia was delighted to become a mother to her beloved son, Herman Nelson Harms, Jr. whom she called Nelson. From the time he was a toddler she was completely devoted to raising her son on her own, and with her parents help, Virginia was able to work full time at Penton Publishing for 30 years. She was a woman who worked her way up the ladder there, eventually becoming an assistant to the editor. Virginia and Nelson called Lakewood, Ohio, home, and as a woman who was ahead of her time her career was fully dedicated to Foundry magazine. She loved traveling the roads less traveled, and while Nelson was at home she often saved up her vacation time so the two of them could go on annual trips. A firm believer in education, she made sure that her son graduated from high school, and she guided Nelson into and enlist in the Navy as a young man of 17. Around the house she was a fantastic cook, baker, and seamstress who even made some of her son’s clothes. Virginia regularly attended church at First Church of Christ Scientist in Lakewood. She put her money where her mouth was and continued her own schooling as an adult and was almost 50 when she started taking classes. She eventually earned her BA in English from Cleveland State University, graduating cum laude. As an avid reader Virginia’s favorite book was Undaunted Courage, which she was forever trying to get others to read so they could appreciate it as much as she did.

New and exciting changes were in store for Virginia when she met the man who stole her heart while waiting for the bus to take her to work. His name was Cyril “Mac” McFrederick, and he offered to let her stand under his umbrella that fateful day. That was all it took, and the rest is history as they say. With a desire to spend the rest of their lives together Virginia and Mac were married on November 11, 1967, after he asked for Nelson’s permission to do so. For the rest of their lives every time they saw an umbrella it brought back such special memories.

After her husband retired for the second time in the 1970s, Virginia and Mac moved to Port Angeles, Washington, as they had taken vacations there and fell completely in love with everything about it. At times they had their grandchildren come and stay with them for up to two weeks at a time. Nana and Papa Mac enjoyed planning and showing off the beauty and activities of the Pacific Northwest.

Mac and Virginia had 25 wonderful years together. Following Mac’s death, Virginia moved to Kalamazoo for two years to be closer to Nelson, however, she then moved back to Washington for eight years. In 2003 she returned to Kalamazoo where she spent several years living at the Fountains at Bronson Place.

Throughout her life Virginia was a woman of many interests. After Mac’s death she did some Elder Hostel trips to the United Kingdom, Russia, Australia and Alaska. While living in Port Angeles Virginia was involved in an investment club, volunteered at the local library and she was also active in the local Rotary where she was a Paul Harris Fellow. During the years when Mac kept a home garden she often helped him tend to it, and she always admired the vibrant colors of fall. She was a regular at the writing group and penned many short writings she enjoyed sharing with others. She was a member of the Red Hat Society, the chorus and also served as the president of the residents association while living at the Fountains. Virginia always enjoyed doing the Christmas choral performance at the Town Center and regularly attended the Kalamazoo Symphony. While living in Kalamazoo times spent with her family, especially during the holidays, was always something she treasured. One of the loves of her life was the companionship of her cat, Sweetie Pie.

Someone who was truly beautiful on the inside and out, Virginia McFrederick was an extraordinary person to know and love. She was honest, and with an unending thirst for knowledge she was always a wealth of information that she enjoyed sharing with others. Along with her integrity, Virginia was a gracious and classy woman who was always well put together with a style that was all her own. She told the doctor that she was a teetotaler and anti-medicine and only cussed a little bit. She leaves behind a timeless legacy that her family will proudly carry on, along with a variety of traditions from 4 O’clock ice cream to the annual fall color tour that ends with a donut and cider.

Virginia McFrederick died on October 5, 2014, in Kalamazoo. Virginia’s family includes her son: Nelson (Cheryl) Harms; 3 grandchildren: Christine Germann, Eric (Jennifer) Harms and Kimberly Harms; 4 great-grandchildren: Tad (Lea) Germann, Tia Germann and Nicole and Ashley Harms; and 2 great-great-grandsons: Ben and Cal Germann. Virginia was preceded in death by her husband, Cyril “Mac” McFrederick. Cremation will take place with private services. Please visit Virginia’s personal web page at www.lifestorynet.com where you can archive a favorite memory or photo and sign her online guestbook. Memorial donations may be made to VFW National Home, 3573 South Waverly Road; Eaton Rapids, MI 48827 or Friends of the Library - in care of Port Angeles Library, 2210 South Peabody Street; Port Angeles, WA 98362. Life Story Funeral Home, Betzler - Kalamazoo; 6080 Stadium Drive (800) 822-7594.