Virginia Vater Benicia, CA

June 19, 1932 -February 1, 2023

Virginia, 90, beloved wife, mother, grandmother, friend, teacher, artist and life long learner, passed from this life at home, surrounded by family on February 1, 2023. She had lived in Benicia since 2004 and was preceded in death by her husband of 61 years, Walt, in 2013. Born June 19, 1932 in Memphis, Tennessee, Virginia attended Indiana University and UC Davis, and earned her BA in Art and California Teaching Credential from Dominican University. She retired in 1994 after many years as a dedicated preschool and elementary school teacher.

Virginia’s greatest love was for her best friend and husband, Walt, and her family: Susan and John Bunch, Benicia; Ann and Randy Wise, Bend, Oregon; Tom Vater, Vallejo, and her seven grandchildren and five greatgrandchildren. As her family grew over the years, her heart and love expanded to welcome all. She often hosted family gatherings and delighted in spending time with her great-grandkids who adored “G.G.” and loved picking lemons and tomatoes in her garden with her. “G.G.” enjoyed walking to the playground with them and watching them race up and down her court on trikes and scooters.

Virginia is remembered by her family for her kindness, generosity, grace, love of nature, joy of gardening, and her passionate appreciation for and dedication to creating art. After her formal art education, she continued to improve her skills through courses, workshops, study and practice; she created a plethora of art pieces in her favorite medium, watercolor. Virginia found working in watercolor to be “both an intellectual challenge and an expression of gratitude for nature’s beauty and the joy of being alive.”

Virginia embraced her community and world. A long-time Episcopalian, Virginia offered much of herself to her faith communities and served in many capacities over the years. At St. Paul’s, she enjoyed cooking for the Community Meal, and more recently served on the Flower Guild. She kept current on and was concerned about politics and world issues. The past few years she enjoyed meeting new friends through and participating in activities hosted by Carquinez Village.

A Memorial Service and Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday, June 17th, at St. Paul’s Episcopal Church. Those wishing to remember Virginia with a memorial tribute may make a donation to: St. Paul’s Community Meal, Carquinez Village or Food Bank of Contra Costa and Solano.