Virginia Barill

When reflecting on the life of Virginia Barill, it is easy to see the abundant joy that she gained from being with the ones she loved. Like a genuine love story come to life, she met her true love as a young girl of 15, and together they exemplified what marriage is truly intended to be. Virginia was honest, fair, practical, yet frugal, and filled with unconditional love for those around her. She was blessed with musical abilities that she willingly shared in a variety of ways. Virginia was sure of who she was and didn’t shy away from telling things as she saw them in her own graceful way. She will be deeply missed but never forgotten.

Life during the 1930s was anything but easy as the entire decade was cloaked in the hardship of the Great Depression. Despite the challenges of the time, the American spirit was strong and kept us moving forward, even if only one step at a time. We celebrated the completion of skyscrapers like the Empire State Building and the Chrysler Building while great progress was made on Mount Rushmore during this time. It was in 1931 that a young couple from Dearborn, Michigan, was focused on an exciting time in their lives as they welcomed a healthy baby girl in their family home on Middlesex Street on November 5th. Virginia was one of four children in her family and was raised alongside her brothers, Ernest, Owen, and Kenneth. As the only girl in the bunch, it comes as no surprise that she had her father wrapped around her finger. Virginia had the most beautiful head of natural curls. She learned fairly quickly how to get her way as she mastered the art of pouting when it came to things like not getting her favorite flavor of ice cream.

For the most part Virginia experienced a typical upbringing during her generation. Her father was a gardener, and when he was particularly proud of his harvest Virginia was called upon to be a model in his photos with the cabbages - something she was not all that fond of! She was a student at local schools including Fordson High School where she sang in the glee club. It was quite an experience when Virginia’s father took her out to teach her how to drive a stick shift since she was too short to reach the pedals, and she would complain how difficult it was to reach the pedals. Virginia went on to graduate from high school in 1949.

Life was forever changed for Virginia when she met the young man of her dreams. His name was Pat Barill, and they were introduced by one of her girlfriends. Virginia was reluctant to date him at first since she thought he was too short, and she even told him so by calling him a shrimp. She was just 15 when they met, and he was 19 - although he kept that minor detail a secret since she most likely would not have dated him if this had been known. By the time Virginia and Pat had a second date, he told her that he was going to marry her. Amused, she just laughed it off. True love won in the end, however, and Pat’s declaration came true on May 5, 1951, when they became husband and wife at St. Clements Church in Dearborn.

Virginia and Pat shared a marriage that few can only dream of. They lived life to the fullest, welcoming six children into their hearts and home. Virginia and Pat experienced so many of the best things that life has to offer together with vacationing being one of their favorites. Some of their special trips included those to Las Vegas, San Francisco, Hawaii, Yellowstone National Park, Grand Teton National Park, and Italy on two separate occasions. Virginia and her husband also enjoyed relaxing at their place at Camp Dearborn.

There were several things that interested Virginia. She was an avid Tigers fan who loved music and singing, played the organ, and enjoyed singing in the church choir when her husband was alive. Card games were something that Virginia enjoyed as was watching some of her favorite gameshows on television like Wheel of Fortune, Jeopardy, and $20,000 Pyramid. Castle and shows on the Hallmark Channel were also among the shows that Virginia enjoyed. For a time she was president of the Go Getters Club in Livonia. Shortly before her husband died, the family took a memorable cruise to the Caribbean together.

Organized, articulate, and hardworking, Virginia Barill was a true blessing to those around her. She treasured her family and did whatever she could for them, serving them with such a compassionate spirit. Life will never be the same without Virginia here, but her timeless legacy will continue on in the lives of those who follow her.

Virginia Elizabeth Barill passed away peacefully November 20, 2013 at the age of 82. Beloved wife of the late Pat, for 55 beautiful years. Loving mother of Dennis (Vicki), Patrick (Angie), Sheryl Ancone, Dean (Karen), and Tim (Sue), and the late Mark. Dear mother-in-law to Becky Barill and Julie Barill. Dearest grandmother of 16 and great-grandmother of 13. Visitation Friday 2-9pm with a 7pm Rosary, at the Neely-Turowski Life Story Funeral Home 30200 Five Mile (between Merriman and Middlebelt). Funeral Saturday 10:00 a.m. (in state 9:30 a.m.) at St. Priscilla Catholic Church 19120 Purlingbrook (west of Middlebelt, north of 7 Mile). To view Virginia’s Life Story please visit www.TurowskiLifeStory.com where you may also sign the guest book, share memories or upload photos.