Virginia A. Vana, age 92, passed peacefully to the arms of Jesus on October 19, 2013, at her home in Bellevue, WA, surrounded by her loving family. Beloved by her family and friends, she accomplished amazing things during her life.

Born June 15, 1921 in Shelbina, Missouri to William and Georgia Bailey. Graduated with "May Queen" honors from Shelbina HS in 1939 and Blessing Hospital School of Nursing in 1942. She served our troops as a registered nurse at field and general hospitals in England during WWII, achieving the rank of First Lieutenant. She worked as a stewardess for United Airlines and on August 28, 1948, married Samuel Vana. She continued work as an RN including assisting Dr. William Edmark in the perfection of the heart defibrillator, and working for a prominent Seattle plastic surgeon. She retired in 1991.

She had a passion for the local sports teams and enjoyed watching the Seahawks, Husky, and Mariners games. Virginia was fortunate to visit many world destinations with her husband and friends. Mostly she enjoyed the time spent with her children and grandchildren. She was the most generous, supportive, and caring person we have ever known. She gave her all to the grandkids, constantly slipping them money or buying them whatever they needed, always putting her family and friends first and telling them how much she cared for them. She will be greatly missed by all.

Virginia's legacy remains with her husband of 65 years Samuel Vana, sister Rosemary Decher, children Michael (Michele) Vana, Jorgann (Lind) Simonsen, Dana (Lori) Vana, grandchildren Christine, Andrew (Stephanie), Scott (Amber) Simonsen, Shannon (DJ) Pogson, Brittany & Brandon Vana, Gillian & Samuel Vana, and great-grandchildren Lydia & Bria Simonsen, & baby girl Pogson due in January, as well as many other family members and close friends.

She was preceded in death by her parents & three older brothers, William, Joseph & Thomas Bailey.

The family thanks caregivers, Shirley, Sid, and Jose for their attentive & loving care of Virginia and Sam.

Private family services with military honors and inurnment at Tahoma National Cemetery in Kent, Friday, November 1.


Memorial Service
Celebration of Life on Saturday, November 2, 2pm, St. Andrews Lutheran Church, 2650 148th Ave SE, Bellevue, 98007. Reception will follow.