Virginia Lee Panfile

PANFILE, Virginia Lee (Zink), a young 95, passed on October 25, 2016 at Carlyle House in Kettering. Preceded in death by her parents, Phillip and Maria (Kobus) Zink, her husband of 40 years, Julius, infant son, Joseph, her sister Patricia Roth, brother David Zink. She is survived by her children Carolyn (Crisanto) Ruel-Flores, Nancy (Jim) Weisner, Julia (Allan Cummings) Hall, David (Wanda) Panfile and Jean (John) Ballard, 16 grandchildren and 11 great grandchildren. She graduated from Lebanon High School and St. Elizabeth School of Nursing, retiring from St. Elizabeth Hospital after 40 years. She was an active member of St. Albert the Great Church since 1955 where she was an RCIA sponsor, on the collection counting committee, Sacristan minister, a member of Legion of Mary, Circle of Friends, Small Faith Group, Catholic Golden Age and Perpetual Adoration. She volunteered at St. Albert the Great festivals, in the school cafeteria, in the school as a nurse, at the Catholic Information Booth at Montgomery County Fairgrounds and served on the hospitality committee. Throughout the years she also attended many Catholic conferences. She delighted in using her talents to make rosaries which she gave to the missions and First Communicants and friends. For the First Communicants, she made origami boxes for the rosaries. She enjoyed making seasonal crafts for church events, family and friends. She travelled with her husband and later with her close friends, Betty, Elizabeth and Ethel. She made pilgrimages to Medjugorje, the Holy Land, Lourdes and Fatima. In their 80’s, she and her close friends travelled throughout the United States including Alaska, Canada and the Arctic Circle. Age was never a barrier to her. She loved meeting people and was a devoted volunteer throughout her life even into her 90’s at St. Elizabeth Hospital, St. Vincent Shelter, Corner Cupboard Charity and at children’s camps. She was known for her popcorn balls which she gave away to hospital staff, family and friends. When we were able to catch her at home, we loved to indulge on her oatmeal cookies and pizzelles, as well as her homemade jams. Mom was a strong independent woman who after the death of her husband took care of her home by herself. She continued to mow her grass into her 70’s, handled a chain saw with expertise when trimming trees and used the shredder to make mulch. We could go on and on. She was God’s disciple, serving others before herself. Her faith and trust in God showed through in her happy spirit. She never complained and always had a smile on her face. She was a role model to her children. Just a week ago, she was touched when the Hospice nurses honored her for her nursing service. We’d like to believe she zip-lined to heaven where angels presented her with her wings and the Pearly Gates were open and waiting for her. Her family is eternally grateful for the loving care she received from the Carlyle House Staff and Hospice of Dayton. Visitation is Friday, October 28th, 4-7 pm at Tobias Funeral Home on Far Hills. Mass of Christian burial is Saturday, October 29th at 10 am at St. Albert the Great Church. Donations may be made to Hospice of Dayton and Carlyle House Employee Fund. Condolences may be sent to www.tobiasfuneralhome.