Virginia E. Brown, age 94 of Strongsville, Ohio, and a former Michigan resident, died Wednesday, April 23, 2014 at Parkside Nursing Home in Middleburg, Ohio. She was born July 8, 1919 in Detroit, Michigan, daughter of the late Henry and the late Leona (nee: Hoffman) Merte.Virginia led quite an eclectic and noteworthy life which was filled with a plethora of achievements, experiences, and events that were truly special. Perhaps the most endearing of these events took place on September 9, 1950 when she promised herself in marriage to her beloved, William. They would go on to share over a half-century together, caring for and nurturing each other through the blessed bonds of matrimony that held them close. Prior to joining her journey with William, Virginia's earlier years included such notable events as her confirmation in 1932 at Faith Lutheran Church in Detroit,...her graduation from Detroit's Southeastern High School as part of the Class of '37,...and" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">...and" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">...and" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">...and her esteemed accomplishment in 1941 when she graduated as part of the first class of women to become tellers at the Detroit Bank.In telling the story of Virginia, some of the descriptive traits would definitely have to include professional, career oriented, philanthropic, charitable, and immersed in the care of her community. She poured her strengths and knowledge into serving and enriching the lives of others,...and did so with a resume that far exceeds the average person, but duly defines this engaging woman. The portfolio of her positions, appointments and offices held include:Main Office Teller ~ Bank of the CommonwealthAccounting Clerk ~ Standard Oil of IndianaSecretary ~ Stellwagen Parent-Teacher AssociationPresident ~ Finney High School Parent's ClubMember ~ Finney High School Commission on School Automotive StudiesTrustee / Vice President ~ Detroit Public School's Board of Education 1971-1973Chairwoman ~ Commission on School TaxationRepresentative ~ Bethany Lutheran Church - Region 7 Education CouncilMember ~ Detroit Water BoardTrustee / Secretary ~ Lexington Heights (MI) AssociationTrustee ~ Worth Township (MI)Member / Secretary ~ Worth Township Zoning BoardFurther, while as a member of the Detroit Public Schools, Virginia served on the Education Task Force, Building & Sites Committee, Curriculum Council, Legislative Committee, Finance Committee, and the Personnel Committee. As a member of the Board of Director's, her expertise was an integral part of the Michigan Association of School Boards, Michigan Association of School Administrator's, the Executive Committee, and the Ad Hoc Committee on Critical Issues.As if this wasn't enough to paint a picture of true servanthood, Virginia was also highly engaged as a volunteer with the Women's Guilds at both Faith Lutheran and Bethany Lutheran Churches in Detroit,...with" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">...with" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">...with N.E.A.R. (Neighborhood East Area Residents), of which she also served as their Block Captain,...with the Cannon Recreational Advisory Committee,...as a writer for the Eastside Advertiser,...with Port Huron Hospital,...and with the St. Clair County Chapter of the American Red Cross.Of course, all of this was accomplished by a woman who never sought accolades for herself. Yet through the many ways she enhanced the lives around her, she did receive certain notable recognitions which include; the Presidential Service Award for her service as the Parade Chairman, Secretary & Treasurer of the East Warren Business Men's Association (1978), a Testimonial Resolution by the Detroit City Council (1978), and a Plaque of Appreciation for her involvement with the Lexington Sesquicentennial Celebration (1984).Though it reads like a list for 20 people, it's amazing to think that one woman could have accomplished all the above,...and she did it with her own unique style and panache. She leaves behind a legacy of care that she shared with so many, and in so many different venues. But no matter the task, the place, or the people involved, Virginia was always true to herself and immersed with integrity and the guidance that her faith in God provided. And even with that said, a true testament to her style and panache can be related to the words as crooned by the infamous Frank Sinatra,..."I Did It My Way!" Virginia was the beloved wife of the late William. Loving mother of Ron Brown (Carmel, CA) and Shirley Kowalski (Strongsville, OH). Devoted grandmother of Dana Kowalski (Oakland, CA) and Todd Kowalski (Bellbrook, OH). Sister of the late George (Delphine) Merte. Aunt to many nieces and nephews. Visitation for Virginia will be held on Friday, April 25th from 2-4pm and 6-8pm at the D.S. Temrowski & Sons Funeral Home, 30009 Hoover Road at Common (12 ½ Mile) in Warren. Her Funeral Service will be conducted at 10:00am on Saturday at the Funeral Home. Officiating the service will be Pastor Walter Keller. Interment will follow at Forest Lawn Cemetery in Detroit, Michigan.Memorial donations are welcomed to the Humane Society of Huron Valley, 3100 Cherry Hill Road, Ann Arbor, MI 48105 or to their website at www.hshv.org. Please share memories of Virginia at her memory book.
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