Virginia (Blackburn) Wagner, 71, of Chandler, Arizona, peacefully passed away on April 30, 2024, after bravely battling cancer. She was born on March 3, 1953, in Santa Cruz, California, to Shirley Soliday and Robert Sheehan, and was raised by adoptive parents Mary and Harley Blackburn. Virginia graduated from Harbor High School in Santa Cruz and later lived in Washington state for approximately 25 years before settling in Arizona.
Virginia cherished her children deeply and often spoke of them with immense pride. She had a soft spot for animals, especially the family’s cats and German Shepherds. Her musical tastes were eclectic, ranging from church choral and Hans Zimmer's soundtrack scores to classical music, Led Zeppelin, and Journey. An avid cook, especially of desserts, she amassed an extensive recipe collection and was always looking for new recipes to try. She was a dedicated fan of football, particularly of the Seahawks and UW teams, and she found joy in various crafts, recently discovering a passion for painting. Virginia was also deeply committed to genealogy, tracing her family’s history back centuries. Despite the Arizona heat, she persistently nurtured her beloved roses and enjoyed tending to the variety of plants in her backyard. Her love for travel was evident in her cherished trips to Greece, Italy, Seattle, and regular visits to Disneyland with her daughters.
Virginia is survived by her daughters Melissa Wagner and Caitlynn Wagner, and her son Michael (Paula) Wagner Jr. She is also survived by her mother Shirley, sisters Cheryle Pybrum, Teri Patty, and Karen Ingram, brother Richard Soliday, and adoptive sister Jeanette Haines. She is preceded in death by her father Robert, adoptive sister Belinda York, and adoptive parents Mary and Harley.
A celebration of her life will be held at 6:30 pm on June 1, 2024, at the Binns Wildflower Pavilion at the Desert Botanical Gardens in Phoenix, Arizona.
In lieu of flowers, the family suggests contributions to Hospice of the Valley or a cancer charity of your choice in Virginia’s memory.
DONATIONS
SHARE OBITUARY
v.1.11.0