Obituary of Virginia Vitug

March 8, 1938 – Lumban, Philippines

July 31, 2021 – Calgary, Alberta

It is with deep sorrow that we announce the passing of Virginia “Virgie” Sanchez Vitug.  Virginia passed away peacefully at her home on July 31, 2021.  She was 83 years old.

Virginia was born on March 8, 1938, in Lumban, Laguna, Philippines and was the eighth child of Cipriano and Apolonia (Javan) Sanchez.  She was predeceased by her siblings Celerino, Eugenia, Justino, Juliana, Julieta, Vicente (Maria), Isidra (Temoy), Tomas (Josefina), her brother in law, Ricardo and her husband Antonio “Tony” of 45 years.  Virginia is survived by her brother, Alfredo (Grisilda), sister in laws Luzviminda (Florencio), Ligaya, and numerous nieces, nephews, and extended relatives.  She will be forever remembered by her children Gary (Glenda) and Gene (Sonya). 

Virginia held multiple degrees, including a Bachelor of Law and a Bachelor of Liberal Arts degree from The University of Santo Tomas.  She always dreamed of working in a law firm in North America and first sought to immigrate to the United States, but Canada was the first to accept her application for residency.  With only a suitcase in hand, twenty-eight year old Virginia left her family and boarded a flight from Manila, Philippines to Calgary, Alberta, Canada on August 27, 1966.

In 1986, twenty years after first applying for residency in the United States, Virginia and her family were granted green card status which resulted in a move to California and over time, returned back to Calgary.

Virginia worked for various law firms throughout Calgary and California, including the City of Calgary, Canadian Consulate (Los Angeles), Maxwell Greenburg at the Law Firm of Jeffer, Mangels and Butler in Century City (California) and Parlee McLaws in Calgary where she eventually retired.  Her retirement years involved travel to Germany, England, Morocco, Portugal, and Russia.  She enjoyed reading Danielle Steele and Mrs. Jeffries mystery books.  She loved watching re-runs of Perry Mason and Columbo as well as romantic movies on the Hallmark channel. 

As I sit here and attempt to write this, the house is still.  On the counter, I can see the enlargements of the portraits we made for the services. There are 3 photos- a youthful Virginia, her wedding day, and a more current photo.  It is only 3 but they tell a lifetime of stories.

I pick up the first photo and I think about youthful Virginia.  Her age in the picture looks around the time she arrived in Canada.

The second photo is her wedding day.  I think about all the life changes and experiences that must’ve happened after this picture was taken. 

I am as still as the house as I sit and look at the last picture. 

On my counter are three photos spanning decades of memories… and I am reminded of how precious time is. 

We did not get a chance to say goodbye, but we take comfort knowing her heartbeat continues through her grandchildren Jana-Marie (Ben), Malia Rose, Sofia, Armaan and Ashiana.  We take comfort in knowing the blessing of a long life gave her time with her great grandchildren, Henry and Isla.  And we are comforted knowing that by her side, until her last breath, was her most trusted and faithful four-legged companion, Sandy Rose. 

The family would like to thank Virginia’s nephew, Alex, for the patience, kindness and help you gave right up to her very last day on this earth.  We feel an immense amount of appreciation for Neri and Bert Cachero for your unconditional love and the blessing of 50 years of friendship.

The Sanchez and Vitug families are in gratitude to each one of you for all the love and support you have shown throughout this very difficult time.

“Your loved one is at peace now

With the ones they had lost.

You have to make peace somehow

With this devastating loss.

Stop thinking it will all be fine

Or that you don’t have time today,

For all you know, you won’t have time

To go another day”.

Funeral Services will be held at McINNIS & HOLLOWAY (Crowfoot, 82 Crowfoot Circle NW, Calgary, AB), on Monday, August 9, 2021 at 10:00 a.m. Family and friends who are unable to attend in person are invited to join Mrs. Vitug’s service streamed live (see below) on the day of the service. For those who are unable to view live, a recording of the service will be posted. Condolences, memories and photos can also be shared and viewed here.

In living memory of Virginia Vitug, a tree will be planted in the Ann & Sandy Cross Conservation Area by McINNIS & HOLLOWAY FUNERAL HOMES, Crowfoot, 82 Crowfoot Circle NW, CALGARY, AB T3G 2T3, Telephone: 403-241-0044.

Thank you for joining us for the live-streaming of this event

(the event start time on our video player has automatically adjusted to match your time zone)

Our technical team does everything possible to ensure the best quality of the live-stream service. 

Unfortunately there are times when the internet connection at the venue or where you are viewing from may cause interference and buffering.

We apologize if this is the case with today’s live-stream but we want to assure you that this service will be recorded and uploaded following the service.

T3G 2T3, Telephone: 403-241-0044.