Virginia Lee Fraser Obituary (2023)

Virginia Lee Fraser May Day baby, youngest of three children (and possibly, though you didnt hear it from us, her Fathers favorite), dog lover, geranium grower, tree climber, sardonic quick-witted mother, singer, dancer, beloved wife and friend joins her husband of 74 years, Robert Fraser, in the heavenly plane, where we imagine they are dressed to the nines and enjoying a night out on the town. Virginias long and fruitful life began in Spokane, WA on May 1, 1927. She was adored by her parents her mother, Myrtle who shared a love of family, gardening and all types of pie; and her father, Harold, whom she had wrapped around her little tom-boy finger. Harold once tried to re-home her best friend Pal, a rescued pit-bull with a grudge against the neighbors, but after several grief-stricken months he relented and reunited the pair. She was nothing if not loyal, a true friend to dogs everywhere, and spectacularly stubborn. Virginia matured into a true beauty with a wicked sense of humor, a voice made for jazz standards and some decent acting chops (just ask her grandkids, whom she convinced would be haunted by the ghosts of their uneaten bread crusts). She enjoyed performing with the Choral and Theater groups while at North Central High where she fell in love with (and eventually married) an older classmate and his charming dimpled smile. Those dimples are responsible for over 7 decades of marriage and three surviving children Rob, Nancy and Julie. In 1960, with their three young kids in tow, Bob and Virginia relocated to Ellensburg. They shared a love of the arts and, together with a group of like-minded friends, strengthened the cultural scene within the town they both loved and called home through their volunteerism and generosity. A born nurturer and loving mother, Virginia taught her children the importance of rituals, traditions and cherishing holidays. Her family knew her as a "good-cooker" and, according to Bob, no one (and he means no one) could make a better meatloaf. To the delight of her friends and family she whipped up her Million Dollar Fudge and cheesy potato casserole every Christmas. She was thrilled to become a grandmother, and in her 96 years of life she held the distinction of becoming a great-grandmother several times over. Virginia was the heart of a busy family growing up in the 60s and 70s, a wonderful yet chaotic time whe she supported her kids activities, including Rob and his bandmates playing rock music in the basement. Were fairly certain she even enjoyed most of it. She loved the music of the era, and along with Bob, would gather their kids around the television to watch the Ed Sullivan Show. She departed this world listening to the Beatles sing "Hey Jude." We hope shes ok with it because we couldnt listen to Josh Groban any longer. We, her irreverent and adoring family, are incredibly grateful to Ahna and Gunner Soli and their two darlings, Coral and Fenna, for their unconditional love. Virginia had the great fortune of spending the last two months of her life in their care, at Grace Manor. It is a gift we will always remember. Additionally, we are grateful to Sarah from KVH Hospice for her prompt, professional, and caring support of our mother during her time of need. Virginia was a true life force she knew how to appreciate and cultivate beauty whether it be art, fashion, music, theater, or flowers. Shed often slip into a song, no matter when or where or who was listening (there are pastures of grateful cows in the valley). Her life was full of warmth, love and the fullness that comes from giving and receiving in a tight-knit community. But her life wasnt always easy she weathered many storms; gracefully, sometimes imperfectly, but always bravely. We will always remember her beautiful, warm voice rising in song from the kitchen, the bedroom, the patio full of red geraniums "Que sera serawhatever will be, will be." We are grateful to know it.