Obituary
We are profoundly saddened to share the sudden passing of Virginia Susan Sturge (nee Gatehouse) on March 23, 2020 at the age of 63.
Virginia is lovingly remembered by her mother June Wilkinson (nee Parsons) (nee Gatehouse), husband Gerald Sturge, daughters Heidi Rideout (Tristan), Becky Sturge, Olivia Sturge, Emily Sturge (Sander), brothers Kenneth Gatehouse (Michele) and Herbert Gatehouse (Nicole), and grandson Ethan Harold Rideout. She is predeceased by her father Eric Gatehouse and “Dad” Harold Wilkinson, her father-in-law Kenneth Sturge, mother-in-law Olive Sturge, and her beloved dogs Rebel and Molly.
Virginia is greatly missed by her extended family in Pound Cove (New-Wes-Valley): Marie Hann (Les), Ruby Hussey (Mike – late husband), Rick Sturge (Christal), Sheila Hann (Clyde) and Rose Vincent (Boyd) with whom she was close, as well as family in Botwood, Labrador, England and the Netherlands.
Virginia is also mourned by her longtime girlfriends Connie, Patsy, Hilda, Roz and Rose with whom she shared many laughs, meals and special occasions. Virginia also shared a special connection with her cousin Wendy Knowlton.
Virginia was raised in Botwood, NL where she was known as the “big sister” to her younger brothers and her cousins Dave, Carolyn and Anne. She continued that special bond when she moved to St. John’s with her family at the age of 11. Virginia later graduated Bishops College in 1973 and started working as a medical secretary at Memorial University. She married Ger, the love of her life, on April 21, 1979 in St. Augustine’s Anglican church.
Virginia’s life revolved around her family and friends. For years, she volunteered as a Girl Guide leader and could be found at bottle drives, cookie sales and organizing outings. She was always willing to act as designated driver for any of her daughters’ nights out regardless of the late hour, and loved to host all of her daughters’ friends at her large dining room table in Mount Pearl, where she was considered by many as their “second mother.” Her house was always full of love and laughter and everyone found a welcome there, including Tess “the big brown dog.”
Virginia loved shopping for shoes and matching purses in bright pinks and reds, as well as anything that glittered and sparkled like nail polish and jewelry. She adored classic cars, Elvis Presley and John Wayne, and was proud of her genuine red leather cowboy boots and cowboy hat, and extensive collection of elephants. She enjoyed long walks on the beach collecting shells and rocks, BBQs and sunsets in Lumsden where she could happily gaze at the ocean for hours.
Virginia was very close to her grandmother Lilian Parsons and brother Ken. She shared a special relationship with Harold, whom we know has welcomed her into heaven with a warm hug. Virginia also enjoyed taking the girls camping at Butterpot Park, and built special traditions between her Mom and her daughters, centered around family holidays like Christmas and Easter, in their shared home for more than 20 years.
In recent years, Virginia and Ger travelled to Calgary, Fort Vermilion and the Netherlands to visit their daughters Becky, Olivia and Emily. Virginia also enjoyed a holiday in England, Belgium and France with her brother Ken and daughters Heidi, Olivia and Emily, where she met relatives, visited sites of significance to her grandfather Charlie Parsons (a WWI Veteran) and scattered Harold’s ashes.
Last year, Virginia and Ger celebrated their 40th wedding anniversary. They were enjoying their retirement together in Virginia’s dream home on the beach in Lumsden, and Virginia was delighted to have become a “Nan” in recent weeks to Ethan whom she has spent hours cuddling.
Virginia had many plans for the future, including surprising her husband with his dream 1968 Dodge Charger. She also wanted to get a tattoo of the word “Hero” to keep Heidi, Emily, Rebecca and Olivia close to her heart. Virginia loved her family dearly and will be with them in spirit forever.
We are all in mourning for our wonderful daughter, wife, mother, sister, aunt, grandmother, cousin and special friend. The stars will shine brighter in the evening sky now that Virginia has joined them.
A private family visitation and cremation will occur with a funeral service and Celebration of Life to follow at a future date due to COVID-19. In lieu of flowers, donations may be sent to the Arthritis Society of NL, Dr. Bliss Murphy Cancer Care Foundation or the charity of your choice.
Our most sincere sympathies to the family and friends of Virginia Sturge 2020..
Death notice for the town of: St-John’s, Province: T-N