Virginia Hodgin Coon January 10, 1924-July 30, 2015

Virginia Hodgin Coon was born on January 10, 1924 to Elias William and Sophia Mae Hodgin. She passed away on July 30, 2015, at the age of 91, in San Clemente, CA. Virginia was surrounded by her family singing Amazing Grace as she went into the arms of Jesus Christ, her Lord and Savior. She is survived by her children: Geri Brabant (Jim), Linda Howey, John Coon MD (Beth), Ron Coon (Cindy), sister-in-law, Bonnie Hodgin, 12 grandchildren, 27 great grandchildren, and one great-great grandchild.

In 1941, Virginia married her late husband, Lester R. Coon in Whittier, where she grew up and lived until 1964; when the family moved to Corona Del Mar, CA. Later, she and her husband moved to Laguna Woods. After the loss of her husband and her declined health, she spent her final years in San Clemente.

Virginia "Boots" was dedicated to her family, always putting them first.

"Boots" is Virginia's family nickname. Her Dad gave her that name as a young child. To this day, she is still "Boots" to many friends and family. Virginia was a loving wife of 63 years before Les passed away. She took excellent care of him during his years of failing health.

Her family has always been so very important to her. She consistently put them first. Her home was her castle and was always open to family and friends. That hospitality usually included some great cooking and card playing. She always thought of special things to do with her grandchildren. They especially enjoyed Skeet Ball at the Balboa Island Fun Zone. She was Gramma to 12 grandchildren who dearly loved her: Chris Scott (John), Karen Ward (Shaun), Cheryl Veenstra (Joel) Jeff Howey (Angela), Doug Howey (Stephanie), Jim Howey (Robbin) , Jeanni Fliegel, Matthew Coon (Erika), Michael Coon (Tara), Mark Coon (Katie). John Coon (Stephanie), Gregory Coon (Griffin).

Virginia has 29 great grandchildren who love her immensely: Josh Veenstra, Jamie Manning (Matthew), Cassidy Veenstra, Hannah Fliegel, Tiffany Fliegel, Shannon Fliegel, Rebekah Fliegel, Kyla Howey, Kevin Howey, Rylie Howey, Reagan Howey, Jordan Howey, Presley Howey, Mikaylin Howey, Nathaniel Howey, Aiden Coon, Ryland Coon, Hampton Coon, Cannon Coon, Brooklyn Coon, McKenzie Coon, Blake Coon, Audrey Coon and Barrett Coon.

She loved holding her great great grandson, Sawyer Robert Manning. He brought a feeling of 'new life' to her. She is pictured with five generations!

Virginia graduated from Whittier High School in the class of 1941. She married that same year. Les went off to World War II in 1943. Virginia lived with her parents when Geri and Linda (Tudi) were born. Soon after the war, John and Ron were born and the family resided at 422 N. Canobie until leaving Whittier in 1964, when they moved to Corona Del Mar. They enjoyed the beach living so much they later moved to San Clemente. As their health began to fail, Leisure World (Laguna Woods) became their home.

As her children were going off to school, Virginia worked as the Bakery Manager for Ralph's Grocery for over 25 years. She seemed to have boundless energy as she worked full-time and raised four children. On her days off, she was often helping her Mom with errands or driving the nuns from St Mary's School to special places or events.

1:00 pm Thursday became a tradition at Virginia's. John started visiting his Mom and Dad weekly 19 year ago. His main goal was to bring teaching about Jesus and Salvation to them. It was so important to him that his Mom and Dad be in heaven for eternity. As years passed, his siblings and family joined him for those visits. Ron was always there. Whenever any family members were in town, they would 'for sure" go to "Thursday" at Mom's . For many years, she prepared a meal. Later, her caregiver prepared the meal. Recently, as she resided in the Care Home, we brought the meal. The Main Thing was always The Main Thing~~a special time with Mom and family. This tradition lasted for 19 years! There was speculation that Mom would not be ready to leave earth for Heaven until Thursday. Sure enough, it was Thursday, as all the family gathered around her and sang "Amazing Grace", when she took her last breath and left us for heaven.

Virginia has always been an example of love and faithfulness, loyalty, kindness, perseverance, hospitality and always finding a way to make "the everyday" special! She is sorely missed and will always be remembered. Her family is greatly comforted by knowing that she is with Jesus Christ, her Lord and Savior.