Virgie Wade

Virgie Virginia Wade (nee Funn) was born to Mabel Margarete Funn on April 29, 1945, in Greenport, NY. Mabel married John Thomas Evans in 1952. Virgie was raised in love by John and Mabel in the farming community of Riverhead, NY, on the eastern end of Long Island. She loved the lord and was baptized at First Baptist Church of Riverhead, NY, at an early age.

Virgie attended Riverhead High School where she was active in student life. She graduated in 1963 and went on to receive two degrees in early childhood education - one an Associate's degree from Cobleskill College and the other a Bachelor's degree from Elmira College.

Virgie enjoyed a full and varied professional life. One of her first jobs after college graduation was as a Headstart teacher. She loved children (her own and others’) and enjoyed this work, but later pivoted to work in a business setting -holding positions with Westinghouse, Pfaudler and eventually the City of Fort Worth as a senior buyer. After the accidental death of her only son in 2005, she retired and became full-time caregiver to her mother during the last six years of her mother's life.

Virgie spent the remainder of her retirement volunteering at her church and with Cornell Cooperative Extension. She was a proud grandmother and endeavored to spend time with her granddaughter despite the miles that separated them. Being a member of Piecemakers of Elmira was also something she truly cherished. She enjoyed those friendships and was known to say, ‘quilting is my therapy’. A multi-talented and creative person, she derived great joy from entertaining. She was an amazing cook who also loved to bake and decorate cakes. She crocheted, knitted, and lovingly made beautiful quilts which she gave away to friends and family.

More than anything Virgie enjoyed people. She loved to talk and engage with people everywhere she went and was easy to know and love. She was an extremely demonstrative and loving daughter, mother, grandmother, niece, cousin, and friend. She greeted everyone with a warm hug and a dimpled smile.

Her final church home was as a faithful member of Resurrection Tabernacle in Elmira, NY, where she served on the usher board.

Virgie leaves to grieve her daughter, Tonji Wade (Washington, DC), granddaughter Brettlee T. Wade (Bedford, TX) and her faithful Shih Tzu, Casper (a.k.a. baby), as well as a host of loving family members and friends. Virgie is preceded in death by her parents Mabel M. And John T. Evans and her much beloved son, Brett Thomas Wade.

She is gone too soon, but her loving presence will live on forever because ‘love never dies.’