Virginia Zabala Lee

1936 – 2011

It is with deep sadness we announce the passing of Virginia Lee at the age of 74, following a brief illness. Virginia will be dearly missed by her children Stephanie (Paul) Drebit of Airdrie, Alberta, Denise (Ole) Christensen and David Lee both of Calgary as well as four grandchildren, Mitch and Nicholas Picard and Jesse and Amanda Drebit and numerous nieces and nephews. Virginia was predeceased by her loving husband, Dennis G. Lee, of 47 years, her parents, John Zabala and Jessie P. Rios, and all of her siblings, Louise Alaniz, Johnny Zabala, Irene Lara, Henry Zabala, Esther Rios and Raymond Rios.

Virginia was born in Montebello, California on August 25, 1936. She grew up in Symons, California where he father worked for the Symons Brick Yard. When she was 17 years old, she moved to Pico Rivera, California. She attended Garfield High School and graduated in 1954. Some of her fondest memories were spent hanging out with her high school friends and being President of the Knightettes Car Club. In 1956, while working for a trucking company, she met the love of her life, Dennis. In February 1958, they were married. They were immediately stationed in Woodbridge, Virginia where Dennis served a two-year term with the U.S. Army. In 1960, they moved back to California where they bought a house and settled down and began raising their family. In 1973, Dennis and Virginia immigrated to Calgary, where he started a new career as a plumber and Virginia continued to sell Tupperware. Virginia met and made many dear longtime friends while selling Tupperware. For those who knew Virginia, they knew they had a friend for life. Virginia was a wonderful friend, wife and mother and especially, grandmother. She participated in and never missed a birthday or special event in her grandchildren’s lives. She cherished her time with each and every one of them and made them all feel uniquely special. Virginia will be dearly missed by all who were blessed to have had her in their lives. “Of all the gifts you share, it’s the gift of yourself that means so much. You bring smiles and laughter to family moments, warmth and caring to the lives you touch … and happiness to everyone lucky enough to be part of your life”. Virginia’s family would like to thank everyone for their thoughts and prayers during her illness, especially Father Ignatius Tran for his spiritual comfort during her time of need. Special thanks to all the doctors, nurses and staff of the Peter Lougheed and Foothills Hospitals and to Dr. Philip Mitchell and Dr. Maureen Young for their care and compassion over the last several months. Relatives and friends are invited to a Prayer Service held at Ascension of our Lord Parish, 1100 Berkshire Blvd. N.W., Calgary, on Friday, February 18, 2011 at 7:00 p.m. A Celebration of Virginia’s Life will be held at FOSTER’S GARDEN CHAPEL, 3220 – 4 Street N.W., Calgary (across from Queen’s Park Cemetery) on Saturday, February 19, 2011 at 2:00 p.m., with the Reverend Vincent Tuan Nhat Ha officiating. Interment will follow with a private family ceremony at a later date. If friends so desire, memorial tributes may be made directly to a charity of their choice. Expressions of sympathy may be forwarded to the family via the website www.fostersgardenchapel.ca.

FOSTER'S GARDEN CHAPEL

FUNERAL HOME AND CREMATORIUM

Telephone: 403-297-0888

Honoured Provider of Dignity Memorial