Virginia Louise Day (Paznokas)

Published 7:45 am Monday, November 12, 2018

October 20, 1923 – November 4, 2018

Virginia Louise Day (Paznokas) was born in Chicago, IL. on October 20, 1923. She grew up in difficult times, but that never kept her from doing things she truly loved. She enjoyed dancing, singing and roller skating. She once danced on stage with burlesque dancer Sally Rand. Virginia married John Paznokas in Chicago in 1943. They raised their family in Bourbonnais, IL. Virginia’s career was in service to Kankakee County for 25 years, as Deputy County Clerk and Chief Deputy Registrar. She ran for County Treasurer, the first Republican woman to run for a county office in Kankakee County. After she retired, she and her mother moved to Des Moines, IA. to be near her sister and family. She followed them when they moved to Las Vegas, before moving to Bend in 2012 to be closer to her son, Skip, and daughter-in-law, Lynda. At first, she lived at Whispering Winds and the last few years she was at Aspen Ridge. She was so appreciative for the friendships and care she received at those facilities.

Virginia was active in the various communities where she lived. In Bourbonnais, she was a member of the VFW with her naval husband, served as Treasurer for the Republican Women’s Organization, and was a member of the Catholic Church. In Bend, she attended the First Presbyterian Church. She loved the Newcomers Club of Bend and was known for dressingas an elf to receive gifts of toys that members brought for needy children at Christmas. The Thorn Hollow String Band from the High Desert Museum, in which her son, Skip, played, brought her great joy.

Virginia loved adventure. For example, in recent years, she rode in a dog sled, took the chairlift up Mt. Bachelor (with her walker), flew in a plane over Mt. St. Helens, camped all up the West Coast, and even went whitewater rafting on her 90th birthday! She loved rides throughout the West, especially along the beach. Favorite places she traveled included Italy, Alaska, and states where her children live – Indiana, Minnesota, California, and Oregon. Virginia loved to make creative gifts. She was famous for her pine cones decorated with silk flowers. She made her own cards, often decorated with flowers. Over the years, she played pinochle, completed word puzzles, did paint-by-number pictures, enjoyed cooking for family and friends, and completed many coloring pages. Even in recent years, she was technologically savvy, being active on e-mail, Facebook, Skype, Facetime, and did on-line banking.

Family was so important. Virginia knew the names and birthdays of her many grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and great-great-grandchildren. She loved hearing from her family and friends, keeping every card and letter they sent over the years!

Virginia died on November 4, 2018 in Bend, Oregon at age 95. She was preceded in death by her mother, (Alberta Adensam), father, (Edward Day), stepfather, (Frank Adensam), two brothers, (Edward Day, William Day), and a sister, (Elaine Cameron). She is survived by four children, “Skip” John Paznokas (Lynda), James Paznokas (Judy), Kathlyn Sherwood (Ron), and William Paznokas (Nancy).

A celebration of Virginia’s life will be held on Saturday, November 17, 2018, at 2:00 p.m. at the First Presbyterian Church in Bend, 230 NE 9th Street, with Pastor Steven Koski officiating. Her wish is for her ashes to be spread in the ocean near San Diego.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made in memory of Virginia Paznokas to Partners In Care, a non-profit program that ensures high quality care is available to all Hospice and home health patients and their families. Visit partnersbend.org to make a contribution. You are also encouraged to take time to help an elderly friend, family member, or stranger who needs extra assistance and love.