Virginia Thomas

Virginia Thomas of Kansas City, MO, passed away July 13, 2011. Visitation and Rosary on Monday, July 18th from 5-7pm at McGilley Antioch Chapel. Mass held at 10:00 AM Tuesday, July 19th at Holy Rosary Catholic Church, 5th St. and Campbell St. Kansas City, MO. Memorial contributions may be made to the Children’s Mercy Hospital’s Psychiatric Program.

Virginia was born March 2, 1931 in Kansas City, MO to Rocco Saviro Lenge and Lucile Marlatt Lenge. She died surrounded by those whom she loved and who loved her dearly. In life, Virginia attended St. Peter’s Grade School, Bishop Hogan High School, Avila University and The Kansas City Art Institute, where she made many friendships that lasted a lifetime. After graduation, Virginia began her working life as one the first artist’s for Hallmark Cards. Hired by Jeannette Lee, she worked directly under the watchful eye of Joyce Hall. In 1952, Virginia married Warren Thomas in Oahu, HI and to that marriage added the loves of her life and her proudest accomplishments, her children, Marla, Lisa and Stephen. After her marriage ended, Virginia worked at various locations, until finding a position in Clay County Circuit Court, where she spent 26 years as a Deputy Court Clerk, retiring in 1991.

The constant in her life was her art. Virginia’s ability to create began in childhood and ended with death. She showed her work at the Plaza, Westport and Prairie Village art fairs for many years, winning various awards and commissions for her beautiful pieces. She taught art classes in her home in NKC, with students, who in one instance became a current Hallmark Sculpture. Virginia loved all animals, always having a special cat or dog to share her home and love with. A wonderful cook, famous for her spaghetti dinners, she was an independent woman, always a lady, shy and quiet with strangers and had a unique ability to love and forgive, “no matter what.” She will be dearly and deeply missed and remembered as “the best mom in the world.” The last painting she completed in the weeks before her death was that of an angel.

Virginia was preceded in death by her parents and beloved brothers, Jim Lenge and Jack Hana. Survivors include Stephen Thomas; Lisa Poehlman (John), grandson David, granddaughter Zoë and great-granddaughter Amorë Rose Poehlman; Marla Mirabile (Salvatore “Sam”) and granddaughter JoMarie (Travis) Soden; Cousin Linda Waterhouse (Steven); Nephew John Hana (Jan) and dog Bella.

(mcgilleyantiochchapel.com)