Virginia Lee Quirk

Virginia L. Quirk died peacefully at her home on August 16, 2018, in Whittier, California, at the age of 93.

Born on November 10, 1924, in Oxford Junction, Iowa to parents James and Georgia Cave, Virginia was the oldest of three siblings all of whom have predeceased her. Her family moved to Spencer, Iowa, when she was a child, to help with the family business of working the farm and operating a boarding house. She attended Coe College in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, and it sparked her lifelong curiosity in many subjects and highlighted the importance of higher education. As a child of the Depression, Virginia developed a lifelong habit of hard work and diligence which carried her through life.

In 1945 she moved to Chicago, Illinois with her beloved sister, Georgia, and it was there that she met and married Tom Quirk, the love of her life. They moved to Southern California after WWII and raised six children together in Whittier, California. Tom died in 1996 after 49 years of marriage. Virginia was a humble woman and she was very proud of her family who gave her great joy and purpose.

Tom and Virginia were original members of St. Bruno Catholic Church and Parish in Whittier, California, since its opening in 1956, and they worked hard and sacrificed to send all six children to St. Bruno School and then to St. Paul High School in Santa Fe Springs, California. It was a priority to give their children a Catholic education. Virginia was a volunteer in the business office of both schools for many decades. She was socially active and generously involved in the school communities.

Virginia had many interests; her favorite was bridge. She was an avid, weekly bridge player at Friendly Hills Country Club for 50 years where she enjoyed the friendly competition and camaraderie. Her love of cards didnt stop with bridge. She enjoyed playing all types of card games and carried several decks with her at all times. She was always ready for a game and really enjoyed her trips to Las Vegas with her bridge friends where they played Black Jack through the night.

Her passion for competition continued with her lifelong interest in sports. She attended every game played by her children and was a familiar face in the stands with a cup of coffee in hand and a scorebook in her lap. She read the LA Times and Whittier Daily News every day meticulously doing the puzzles and studying the bridge hand.

Virginia never let a teaching moment pass. She would correct anyones English and grammar skills in mid-sentence. She had very high standards and was always willing to share them. Virginias love for her Country was undeniable. The American flag was visible in every corner of her life. She was a proud American who believed deeply in the American dream and the right to pursue it. Her Midwest values never faded.

After raising her family, Virginia began her accomplished 30 year career as a realtor in Whittier. Her greatest pleasure was meeting, working and connecting clients to the home of their dreams. Virginia was passionate about affecting one of the most positive changes in their lives: owning their own home. Her real estate career was a great source of pride for Virginia. It brought her tremendous personal and professional satisfaction.

Virginia is survived by her children: son, Brian T. Quirk and wife Jane of San Marcos, CA; son, David J. Quirk and wife Gail of Orangevale, CA; son, James P. Quirk and wife Anna of Kansas City, MO; daughter, Catherine A. Gyben and husband Christopher of Escondido, CA; daughter, Bridget A. Quirk of Dana Point, CA; and daughter, Mary F. Pomroy and husband Colin of Hingham, MA. In addition, she leaves 18 grandchildren and 10 great-grandchildren and many nieces and nephews.

A funeral Mass will take place at 10:30am on Tuesday, August 28, 2018, at St. Bruno Catholic Church, 15740 Citrustree Road, Whittier, CA.

Please no flowers or donations, but rather remember, Virginia, a most thoughtful and generous woman, in your thoughts and prayers.