Virginia Chadwell McNown, a Hollister resident for more than 60 years and wife of lifetime chiropractor of Hollister, Dr. Willard D. McNown passed away on Monday, March 26, 2012, at the William and Inez Mabie Skilled Nursing Center. She would have been 88 on April 1, 2012.
Virginia was born in Omaha, Nebraska where her father was the postmaster. As the ninth of ten children, she had many interesting stories one of which was being “parented” by her older siblings. She attended Benson High School where she won a full scholarship to the University of Nebraska. Unfortunately, her father passed away and Virginia stayed to help her family.
She relocated to Reno, NV where she became a ticket agent for United Airlines. It was there that she met the handsome and dashing flight instructor, Willard McNown who had served in WWII as a pilot for Prime Minister Winston Churchill, and Generals Dwight Eisenhower, and General George Patton among others.
They were married after a whirlwind courtship and he brought Virginia to Los Angeles California so he could attend Los Angeles College of Chiropractic in 1946.
After her husband became a chiropractor, they moved to Hollister where Dr. McNown took over his father’s practice. Virginia raised her three children there and was very active in their lives, was a member of the Presbyterian Church and loved to play her organ.
She also enjoyed her bridge club for many years, more often than not, bringing home the prize.
When her children were grown, she worked as a secretary for several years at the San Benito County Office of Education and then later, as the secretary for the First Presbyterian Church. She was known for her beautiful penmanship, pleasant smile, and excellent work ethic. Her handwritten notes were always treasured by all who received them.
Virginia is survived by her childre! n and their spouses Dr. M. Jeff McNown (Colleen), Melissa and (Dr. Bill Brandon) of Hollister, nine grandchildren and 16 great grandchildren.
Friends and family are invited to her celebration of life at the First Presbyterian Church of Hollister on Sunday, April 1, 2012, at 3:00 P.M.
Per Virginia’s request, cremation and private inurnment was conducted through Grunnagle-Ament-Nelson Funeral Home and Crematory. Any donations are requested to go to The First Presbyterian Church’s missionary fund.
She was preceded in death by her husband Dr. Willard D. McNown and son, Randy D. McNown.
