WORCESTER____ Virginia M. (White) Tamalavitch, 102, of Worcester, passed away on Wednesday, July 3, 2019 peacefully surrounded by her loving family. Her husband Albert Tamalavitch died in 1983. She is survived by her daughter, Joan Hearns, with whom she lived; sons, Albert Tamalavitch of South Pasadena, FL, and Richard Tamalavitch and his wife Kathryn of Worcester; eight grandchildren, Kathy “Cookiebun” Gibbs and her husband Chris, Megan Tamalavitch, Richard Tamalavitch II, Thomas Tamalavitch Jr., Joseph Tamalavitch, Keith Paquin, Mindy Paquin and Sunday Maxwell; five great-grandchildren and nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by her son, Thomas Tamalavitch and brothers, Russell, Frank and William White. She was born in Worcester, a daughter of the late Frank and Cora (Hodgkins) White.
Mrs. Tamalavitch was a diploma nursing graduate later achieving her bachelor’s degree. She graduated from Boston University with a MBA in Business. After her nursing career she became a registered insurance broker and worked as an independent consultant. She is a veteran of World War II having served in the U.S. Navy. Virginia was active in the American Legion having served as Post Commander, an Executive Committee Woman, a Sub-District Commander, and an Echelon Director. In 2005 she was installed as a National Twenty and Four Director. She was a life member of American Legion Post 444. She also was a member of the Vernon Hill American Legion Post. She was a long-time member of St. Andrew the Apostle Church.
Virginia was a loyal Red Sox fan. Her favorite pastimes included Facebook, traveling and playing Bingo. In fact, her 100th birthday was celebrated at Foxwoods Casino playing Bingo and slot machines with her family.
The funeral will be held on Saturday July 13, 2019 from DIRSA - MORIN FUNERAL HOME, 298 Grafton Street, with a Mass at 10:30 A.M. in St. Andrew the Apostle Church, 5 Spaulding St. Burial with military honors will be private in St. John's Cemetery. Calling hours in the funeral home are Friday, July 12, 2019 from 5:00 to 7:00 P.M. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Project New Hope, Inc., 70 James St. Suite 157, Worcester, MA 01603 www.ProjectNewHopeMA.org