Virginia Cooper Pellegrino

VIRGINIA COOPER PELLEGRINO

Virginia Cooper Pellegrino, Topeka, passed away on Sunday, December 23, 2007 at Midland Hospice House, with her son by her side.

Virginia was born November 7, 1910 in Nevada, MO, to Reverend Roderick Davis and Lula (McGinnis) Cooper.

She attended Cotty College, Ft. Scott Community College and Pittsburg State University. She was a teacher in Elementary Schools in Richardson, MO; Secretary to the Dean and Registrar, Jefferson City Junior College; and secretary to the President of McKey Manufacturing Company, which is now Key Work Clothes, Ft. Scott.

Virginia married Harold L. Pellegrino on October 11, 1945 in Ft. Scott. He preceded her in death January 18, 2004. She loved working in the home for her husband and son. That was her first love. She also enjoyed bridge and golf. She was a past member of the Shawnee Country Club, past member and President of Phi Delta Theta Mother's Club, was active in A. J. Chapter of P.E.O., den mother in Cub Scouts and a member of First Presbyterian Church for over 50 years.

She was also preceded in death by a sister, Roberta Kelley, and a brother, Leon Cooper. She is survived by her loving son, Kent Pellegrino, Topeka and a niece, Marilyn L. Kelley, Wichita; and her special relatives in Luxembourg, Europe.

Her unconditional love and dedication to her family was a role model for many. She dedicated her life and energy to her family so they could find joy and laughter.

Funeral services will be held at 8:30 a.m. on Thursday, December 27, 2007 at Penwell-Gabel Southwest Chapel, 3700 SW Wanamaker Road. Burial will follow at the Evergreen Cemetery in Ft. Scott. Virginia will lie in state at the funeral home after 2:00 p.m. on Wednesday and visitation will be from 4:30 to 6:00 p.m.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Kansas National Guard Museum, PO Box 19285, Forbes Field Bldg. 30, Topeka, Kansas 66619-0285.