Virginia R. Neal
September 25th, 1924 - April 23rd, 2013
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Virginia's Obituary
VIRGINIA ROSE NEAL
Long time South Haven resident Virginia Rose Neal peacefully passed away April 23, 2013, surrounded by family.
Virginia was born September 25, 1924, in Detroit to Albert Hentz and Matilda Hentz(Lutz). She was preceded in death by her older sister, Marie(Don) Horanoff and an older brother, Harold(Doris) Hentz .
She enjoyed her time in Detroit going to family events, dances, carnivals, circuses, roller skating & playing tennis. She supported the WWII war efforts by working at C&G Screw Company & attending GI dances.
Virginia met the love of her life, Harold Lloyd Neal of Sault Saint Marie, while he was visiting her neighbor. He joined the Army and went over to fight in Europe. Their love grew, and they eventually married on October 13, 1945. She gave up on her dream of being a kindergarten schoolteacher to help support the family while Harold attended MSU and Michigan Law School. They had three children while in college and in 1951 the family moved to South Haven where Harold joined Monroe & Chappell Law Firm.
Three more children mysteriously appeared in South Haven, and she kept very busy raising six children. Through the years they developed many dear friends in this small community. She was able to visit many foreign countries during her lifetime. She enjoyed family gatherings, her walks, and working in the yard. Even though she never became a schoolteacher, she taught her children many valuable life lessons.
She lost the love of her life on December 4, 1992 and she continued her growth into a strong, independent woman. She is survived by her daughters Carol(Brett) Stanger of Jackson, Janet Eifert of Pottsville, Mary(Tim) Combs of South Haven, and sons Lawrence Neal of Paw Paw and Harold Neal, Jr.(Marij) of Centennial, Colorado and nine grandchildren and five great grandchildren.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to VBISD Community-based Transition Center (skill center for mentally challenged young adults), 490 South Paw Paw Street, Lawrence, MI 49064 or Special Olympics, Area 17(Van Buren Co) 1233 Young Place, St. Joseph, MI 49085
Visitation will be held at Filbrandt Funeral home located at 1076 S. Bailey Ave. South Haven from 6 to 8 pm Friday April 26, 2013 & from 11 to 12 am Saturday April 27, 2013 immediately followed by the Funeral Service. Burial will be at Lakeview Cemetery in South Haven. Kindly share your thoughts and memories on the family’s online guest book at http://www.filbrandtffh.com/">www.FilbrandtFFH.com.
The family is being helped by the Filbrandt Family Funeral Home of South Haven, 637-0333.
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