Virginia Rose Derkowski, affectionately known to everyone as “Mom”, passed away peacefully at the age of 94, on February 5, 2020. She was born November 24, 1925 to her late parents, Louis and Pearl Manly. In addition to her parents she is preceded in death by her brother, Louis Manly and her sister, Doris Kirk. She is survived by her children; Suzanne Reilley, Linda Giroir and her husband Tom Giroir, Cindy Robinson and her husband Mike Trevisan, Jim Traband, Sr. and his wife Dottie Traband and Jeff Deaver. She is also survived by 6 grandchildren, 15 great grandchildren and 4 great, great grandchildren.
Virginia grew up in Govans, Maryland, graduated from Eastern High School as a member of the Academic Program and attended one year at Towson State Teachers College. She was a hard worker; retired from A&P, a top seller for Avon, candy maker at Log Cabin Candy, worked at The Merry Go Round Distribution Center and a cashier at Target until she was 82 years old.
Mom loved cooking Sunday dinners, baking, making candy, sewing and spending time with her family. She baked fruit cakes for all the nuns at Christmas when her son attended grade school at Mt. Washington Country School for Boys. Mom made sure everyone in the family received a box of homemade chocolates for each holiday. She sewed countless Raggedy Ann and Andy dolls, sock monkeys and Halloween costumes. She crocheted dresses for baby dolls and Afghan blankets for everyone.
Mom suffered from the effects of Alzheimer’s in her later years and lived at the Glen Burnie Health and Rehabilitation Center. She was adored by all of her nurses and caregivers. She was always pleasant and greeted everyone that came to visit her with a smile.
Mom was a giving, thoughtful and selfless person who loved everyone. She spoiled her children, grandchildren and great great grandchildren. Over the years she opened her home to many children that needed her love and care. Mom always put other people’s needs first. Her life was a living example of Ephesians 4:32, “and be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving one another, just as God also forgave you in Christ”. She will be greatly missed.
There will be a Memorial Service for Virginia Derkowski on Saturday, February 22, at 11 AM at Forge Road Bible Chapel, 5040 Forge Road, Perry Hall, Maryland 21128. Everyone is invited to the Service and luncheon following at the Chapel. Please text or call Dottie Traband at 443-520-2204 if you are planning to stay for the luncheon. In lieu of flowers, Virginia’s family has asked that contributions be made to Forge Road Bible Chapel.