Virginia Giannestras

Virginia M. Giannestras

Devoted mother, grandmother and great grandmother, Virginia Marie Giannestras, age 97, of Bellaire and formerly of Cincinnati, Ohio, passed away on August 3, 2008 at Hope Village. Virginia was born on July 30, 1911 in Cincinnati, Ohio, the daughter of Walter D. and Maria Rebecca (Reideman) Fahrenbruck. She is survived by her children: James D. (Margaret) Giannestras of Traverse City, and Lynne S. (Gerald) Delling of Bellaire, her grandchildren: Scot L. Delling of Bellaire, Holly H. (Kevin) Hatch of Lansing, and Libby L. Giannestras of Traverse City, and her great grandchildren: Dane L. and Gloria G. Hatch. Virginia was preceded in death by her daughter in law, Gloria Gail Giannestras.

Virginia graduated from the University of Cincinnati in 1933 with a degree in child care and preschool education, and also, studied voice at the College Conservatory of Music. She was a member of Alpha Chi Omega sorority. In the years following graduation, she managed a playground in inner city Cincinnati, served in a children's home in Hamilton, Ohio, and eventually moved to New York City where, while working at the New York Orthopedic Hospital, she met Nicholas J. Giannestras, M.D. On November 22, 1935 they were married in Cincinnati.

In Cincinnati, Virginia was involved in numerous charitable capacities. Among these activities she served as president and chair of the board of the Bodman Widow's Home, was active with the Cincinnati Women's Club and with her college sorority, and was president of the Amberly Village Garden Club.

Virginia was most knowledgeable in the area of period American furniture, having been a collector of important pieces while living in Cincinnati. Her gardens were beautiful, her cooking superb and her outlook on life a joy.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to a favorite charity.

Graveside services will be held Monday, Aug. 11th, 2008, 5 p.m. at Lakeview Cemetery, Torch Lake Township, near Eastport. The Rev. Andrew Pommerville will officiate.

Arrangements have been handled by the Bellaire Chapel of Mortensen Funeral Homes. Please sign our online guestbook www.mortensenfuneralhomes.com.