Virginia M. Beemer

longtime Bainbridge Islander, died May 29 at the age of 82. She was living with her son and daughter-in-law Mike and Sandy Beemer at their home on Camano Island at the time of her death.Virginia and husband Don (deceased in 2010) were Bainbridge Island residents since the early 1950s, and Virginia only just moved recently to Camano Island.Virginia was born Feb. 21, 1930, in Nashville Township - Winnebago, Minnesota, to Esther and John Schultz. When her mother died of sudden illness in 1934, Virginia and younger sister Roberta were taken in by their grandparents. The family moved from Winnebago to Gig Harbor when Virginia was in the sixth grade, and she finished her school years in that area, graduating from South Kitsap High School in 1948. After high school, Virginia worked several jobs, including at the Olympic Hotel and the Fifth Avenue Theater in Seattle.Virginia married Don Beemer on April 21 of 1949, and moved to Bainbridge Island in the early 1950s, - shortly after the first son, Michael, was born. The couple went on to raise five boys on the Island. Don worked for his uncle Holger Christenson at Holger's Hardware in downtown Winslow - later becoming manager of the store when it became Winslow Hardware. At the same time, Virginia managed the business of the bustling Beemer household. She served roles as Cub Scout Den Mother, Sunday school teacher, school field trip driver (and family taxi driver…), and meticulously kept the busy family on schedule and on budget.A few years after number-five son (Gregory) was born in 1967, Virginia went to work at Roberts' Jewelry store in Winslow. Later, she worked for several years at American Marine Bank, before retiring in 1995. Outside of work over the years, Virginia enjoyed working on the Eagle Harbor Church annual rummage sale, entertaining guests at the family's annual Grand Old Fourth of July picnic at the Beemer house along the parade route, tending her bountiful rose garden, playing cards with good friends, and making visits to the Clearwater Casino in Suquamish.Virginia often said she loved watching her kids grow, and always enjoyed family gatherings -- abundant with storytelling, songs and laughter.Survivors include sons Michael (Sandy), Neil (Mindy), Gary (Cyndi), David (Becky) and Gregory (Jackie); 17 grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren.Family and friends are respectfully invited to attend the memorial service at 4 p.m., Friday, June 8, 2012, at Eagle Harbor Congregational Church. Memorial contributions are suggested to Bainbridge Island Fire Department or Eagle Harbor Congregational Church.