Virginia L. Haverland

Virginia Lee Haverland, 85, of Western Springs, Illinois, passed away on November 9, after complications related to pneumonia. She was a strong, proud, and independent woman who survived cancer, endured the challenges of Covid, and then experienced a serious injury that resulted in her living homebound for over two years. Her departure came as a great shock, and it is gravely felt by her family and countless others who loved her deeply in her wide network of community. Her family is eternally grateful for the assistance her caregiver, Marie Green, provided in her last years.

Virginia was born on April 17 to Fred and Helen Mueller in Chicago, Illinois. After graduating from Steinmetz College Prep High School in 1957, she went on to earn her associate in arts at Wright Junior College. Virginia was the first in her family to attend college and eventually earned a master's degree from Northwestern University. Married in 1961 and divorced in 1972, she moved to Western Springs with her son to raise him on her own. She started her teaching career in District 89 of Maywood, Illinois in 1962 and continued to teach in the district until she retired. After retiring, she spent her time working as a sales associate at Carson’s and crocheting baby blankets and beanies that she donated to maternity wards in local hospitals.

Virginia was predeceased by her father, Fred G. Mueller and mother, Helen L. Abbott. She is survived by her son, Derek, his wife Carla, and the two joys of her life: her granddaughter, Tyler, and grandson, Casey.

Services will be held at Chapel Hill Gardens West Funeral Home and Cemetery on Friday, November 22 from 4-8pm. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to the Hinsdale Humane Society, an organization Virginia felt strongly about.