Virginia B. McIntyre

Virginia B. McIntyre, 89, Belvidere, IL, passed away on her birthday, February 11, 2023 in the comfort of her home surrounded by her family. She was born on February 11, 1934 to George and Rocelia (Gerber) Krause in Neillsville, Wisconsin. She attended grade school at Happy Hallow School, a one room schoolhouse. She graduated in 1951 from Neillsville High School.

Upon graduation, Virginia was employed by 1st National Bank of Neillsville and later served as a Deputy County Clerk in her hometown. She married Patrick McIntyre in 1963 and moved to Rockford, IL in 1965. For quite a few years, she was a stay at home mom with her two children. As her children grew up, she worked for several companies as a receptionist and switchboard operator. Her welcoming smile and pleasant disposition were a perfect fit for greeting and assisting customers and company clients. She retired the first time from Evac in the late 1990s in order to be a caregiver for her husband, Patrick. Eventually, Virginia went back to work part-time at Evac until 2004 when at the age of 70, she became a nanny for her only grandchild, Danny. Six years later, Virginia assumed the role of being a caregiver one more time for her son, Michael.

Kind, generous, and selfless are only a few of the words that could be used to describe Virginia as evident from the phenomenal care and dedication that she gave to her family.

Throughout her life Virginia had a great love of music. By the age of 15, Virginia had saved up enough money to buy her first guitar. Virginia along with her younger sister, Shirley, age 12, sang and performed on a weekly live radio program for station WDLB in Marshfield, Wisconsin. Virginia continued to develop her musical talents and eventually married Patrick, an accordion teacher and performer. They instilled the love of music in their children and grandchild. The McIntyre household was always filled with music.

Virginia is survived by her daughter, Kathleen (Jeffrey) Summers, her grandson, Daniel, her sister, Shirley (Arlo) Smith of Colorado Springs, and several nieces and nephews.

Virginia was preceded in death by her parents, George and Rocelia Krause, her husband, Patrick, her son, Michael, her brother, Clarence, and her sister, Elaine.

Jeff, Kathy, and Danny wish to extend their gratitude for the incredible care provided by OSF Palliative and Hospice staff members that assisted Virginia on her journey home.

A Visitation will be held on Friday, February 17, 2023 from 4pm to 7pm at Sunset Funeral Home (8800 N. Alpine Road, Machesney Park, IL 61115). Continued Visitation will take place from 9am until the time of the Funeral Mass for Virginia at 10am at St. Bridget Catholic Church (600 Clifford Ave, Loves Park, IL 61111). Entombment to follow at Sunset Memorial Gardens in Machesney Park, IL.