Virginia Margaret Klimek
January 23, 1942 – April 15, 2011
Virginia Margaret Klimek’s inspiring life began on January 23, 1924 in Pittsburg, PA and ended peacefully, with her husband and children at her side, on April 15, 2011 in Seattle, WA. Virginia was married to Bernard Klimek for 60 years and together, she and Bernard raised 10 children in Dunellen, New Jersey, and then later resided in Bainbridge Island, WA for the past 21 years as well as in Maui, HI where they had their treasured second home.
Virginia graduated as a Registered Nurse from Holy Rosary, in Pittsburgh, PA. While in Nursing School she was active in sports, and especially loved women’s basketball. She met her husband, Bernard at the Veteran’s Hospital in Orange, NJ, where they both worked as medical professionals prior to raising their family.
Virginia often cited the health and success of her ten children as her proudest life achievement. In turn, Virginia’s children have been and remain the grateful beneficiaries of her many gifts. Virginia selflessly gave of herself and sacrificed what was needed to provide for her children, while instilling in them and in those all around her a passion for healthy living and the performing arts. She also relayed her love of tolerance and wishes for world peace. At the root of her progressive lifestyle was her avid love of reading. As a lifetime learner, Virginia was a staunch supporter of the Public Library System and shared her love of knowledge and books with her children and grandchildren throughout her life. It was this love of reading and discovery that allowed her to lead her family in the practices of organic gardening and natural living, which included composting and recycling in the 1960’s, long before “green” living was popular or universally accepted. Despite the financial demands of raising ten children, she and Bernard made Broadway shows and downtown Manhattan explorations a priority, providing the children with a first-hand taste of the performing arts she loved so well. An ardent supporter of women’s rights, Virginia attended local High School board meetings to promote girl’s sports in the pre-Title IX era, while encouraging her own daughters to compete on men’s teams when no women’s teams existed.
Virginia’s love of the natural world was expressed through her gardening, and without fail she would attend the Farmer’s Market on Bainbridge Island every Saturday morning to support the local farmers. She loved all animals, and this love, awe and respect for animals nurtured her throughout her life, and made her fall in love with the natural surroundings both on Bainbridge Island and Maui. Her love of reading and her belief in the power of reading was expressed in her support and regular use of the Bainbridge Library during her 21 years on Bainbridge Island.
Virginia’s favorite place to be was their home in Maui, where she spent countless days, swimming, snorkeling, and enjoying the sunny skies, warm trade winds and beautiful sunsets with her husband, children and grandchildren. Long term friendships abounded for Virginia and Bernard in this special place.
Virginia is survived by her loving, steadfast husband, Bernard, whose love and companionship nurtured and sustained her into her final days. She is also survived by her children; Bernie Klimek of Tucson, AZ, Catherine Klimek of San Francisco, CA, Thomas Klimek of Toluca Lake, CA, Robert Klimek of Portland, Oregon, Robin Klimek, of Alamo, CA, Trish Klimek of Bainbridge Island, WA, Virginia Klimek of Parlin, NJ, Martin Klimek of San Leandro, CA, and Vincent Klimek of Tacoma, WA. She was predeceased by her son, Matthew. Surviving grandchildren include; Elizabeth Klimek of Pleasanton CA, Clarissa Klimek of San Francisco, CA, Evan Galloway of Chapel Hill, NC, Hero Klimek-Brooks, Lore Klimek-Brooks, Melou Klimek-Brooks of Tacoma, WA, Matthew Klimek of Austin, TX, Ashley Koehler of Clark, NJ, Alyssa Klimek of South Plainfield, NJ, Andrew Klimek of South Plainfield, NJ, and Dustin Klimek of Bethany Beach, DE. Great-grandchildren include Jose and Aaron Hackbarth of Pleasanton, CA.
Virginia was loved deeply by her husband, children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren and her enduring legacy will never be forgotten. All who were lucky to know her will remember her kind beautiful face, soft touch and unconditional love. Her wish to have her ashes re-united with the earth at the time of her passing will be honored at her Memorial Services, which will be held in Maui, HI.
Please sign the online Guest Book for the family at: www.cookfamilyfuneralhome.com.
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