Obituary of Virginia Dawn Chastang

Virginia Dawn Chastang passed away at her Aptos home peacefully in her sleep, October 9th, 2013. She was 89. Born in Seaview, Washington, she was the oldest daughter of Myrtle and George Davis. Virginia grew up and attended high school in the San Mateo/Burlingame area and was one of America's "Rosie the Riveters" working at a shipyard in San Francisco during WWII. Through her love of dancing, Virginia caught the eye of Cyrus Chastang and they were married in 1953. Together they raised six children, making their home in Salt Lake City, Santa Cruz, and eventually settling in Morgan Hill. First and foremost, Virginia was a devoted mother and wife. Home was a welcoming place for her children's friends to gather and for family celebrations. Virginia enjoyed cooking, sewing, planning parties, and had a love of arts & crafts. She was very involved in her community, leading Girl Scout Troops and participating in several PTAs. Virginia and Cy spent many hours volunteering for the Capitola Begonia Festival. Then after many years in Morgan Hill, they returned to Aptos in 2000, to revel in their children and grandchildren. Raising donations for the American Heart Association as recently as this spring, Virginia made a real difference in people's lives. In her later years, Virginia became an avid reader, mastering her Kindle at 88! Virginia showed tremendous strength in her final years, as she dealt with chronic pain, losing her ability to walk, and other health complications. Though she missed him terribly, Virginia was very brave when Cyrus passed away in 2012 and she looked forward to being reunited in heaven. She is survived by her beloved daughters Karen Cross, Cheryl Mayes, Michelle Bagley (Craig), Suzie Dailey, and son in law, Dennis Whitley. She took great pride in her 13 grandchildren, 15 great-grandchildren, and 4 great-great grandchildren. She is also survived by her dedicated caregivers, Teddy Dayrit and Gabriel Mendoza, who were like sons to her and who have become part of the family. Virginia was preceded in death by her husband of 60 years, Cyrus Chastang, her sons John and Jackie, and her daughter Debbie. With her strong spirit, the twinkle in her sparkling brown eyes, and her beautiful smile, Virginia's memory is treasured and she will be missed immensely. A memorial will take place at 11:30am on November 30, at Santa Cruz Memorial's Oakwood Chapel. The family suggests that her spirit be honored with a gift to Easter Seals, on behalf of her great grandson, Stellan Goss. "What we leave behind is not engraved in stone monuments, but woven into the lives of others."