A memorial will take place at 11:30am on November 30, 2013, at Santa Cruz Memorial’s Oakwood Chapel. The family suggests that her spirit be honored with a gift to Easter Seals, on behalf of her great-grandson Stellan Goss. If you would like to offer condolences to Virginia’s family, share your memories and light a candle in her honor, please visit www.scmemorial.com
Virginia Dawn Chastang passed away at her Aptos home peacefully in her sleep, October 9th, 2013.
She was 89. Born in Seaview, WA, she was the oldest daughter of Myrtle and George Davis.
Virginia grew up and attended high school in the San Mateo/Burlingame area and was one of America’s
“Rosie the Riveters” working at a shipyard in San Francisco during WWII. Through her love of dancing,
Virginia caught the eye of Cyrus Chastang and they were married in 1953. Together they raised six children, making their home in Salt Lake City, Santa Cruz, and eventually settling in Morgan Hill.
First and foremost, Virginia was a devoted mother and wife. Home was a welcoming place for her children’s friends to gather and for family celebrations. There was a long succession of well-loved pets over the years, too.
Virginia enjoyed cooking, sewing, planning parties, and had a love of arts & crafts.
After their children were grown, she and Cy enjoyed motor home trips across the country.
Virginia was very involved in the Odd Fellows Rowena Rebekah Lodge #315 for over 20 years, holding the
positions of Noble Grand and District Deputy President. Her contributions to the Morgan Hill community
were many, including active participation in the local PTA, the Girl Scouts, where she was a Troop Leader
for several years, Veterans of Foreign Wars, Toys for Tots and Helping Hands. She crocheted caps for newborns in the hospital and administered hearing tests at local elementary schools. Virginia truly made a difference in people’s lives.
Virginia and Cy retired to Aptos in 2000, where they reveled in their children and grandchildren, and as long time loyal 49er fans, looked forward to football season every year. Virginia had “Super-Fan” status with the team, gaining recognition at a home game and receiving a signed jersey from Jerry Rice.
In her later years, Virginia became an avid reader, mastering her Kindle at 88! She continued volunteering, raising donations for the American Heart Association through last year.
Virginia showed tremendous strength in her final years, as she dealt with chronic pain, losing her ability to walk, and other health complications.
Though she missed him terribly, Virginia was very brave when Cyrus passed away in 2012 and she looked forward to being reunited in heaven. She is survived by her beloved daughters Karen Cross, Cheryl Mayes, Michelle Bagley (Craig), Suzie Dailey, and son in law, Dennis Whitley. She took great pride in her 13 grandchildren, 15 great-grandchildren, and 4 great-great-grandchildren. She is also survived by her dedicated caregivers, Teddy Dayrit and Gabriel Mendoza, who were like sons to her and who have become part of the family.
Virginia was preceded in death by her husband of 60 years, Cyrus Chastang, her sons John and Jackie, and her daughter Debbie.
With her strong spirit, the twinkle in her sparkling brown eyes, and her beautiful smile, Virginia’s memory is treasured and she will be missed immensely.
“What we leave behind is not engraved in stone monuments, but woven into the lives of others.”
