Virginia Nicholson

Virginia "Sammy" Dianne Nicholson (née Spencer), beloved mother, grandmother, sister, and aunt went home to God on September 5, 2023 in the company of family. She was 81 years old. Sammy drew her last breath with summer's fading blossoms. It seemed a perfect homecoming as she had bid her children farewell not long before.

Sammy was born on March 1, 1942 in Minneapolis, Minnesota. She was the second daughter of Oliver "Ben" Spencer and Anne Elizabeth Spencer. Having lost her father as a young girl and her mother Annie when she was a young mother, her sisters Sally and Lynda remained an important part of the fabric of her life. The loss of both her sisters in the past few years was heartbreaking for her. She spoke often of them.

Sammy suffered from dementia and other underlying difficulties the last years of her life. She lived at Gracewood Memory Care for the last six months where she was loved by the staff.

Sammy was a homemaker for much of her life. She woke with the lark-beginning her day early-to care for the needs of her family. Children were naturally attracted to her beautiful and warm countenance. Her care for the needs of others remained throughout her life. She did not hesitate to assist anyone in need of physical care; at times she moved into the homes of friends to assist them when they were ill or in need. This natural ability to care for creation extended to her long list of treasured kitties and dogs.

Sammy worked in hospitality throughout her life. This work suited her vibrant and creative personality. All her domestic skills were used well in this work. She was an extrovert who loved holidays, parades, gardens, and Minnesota summers.

She had an old-world devotion to her extended and deceased relatives. She and her sisters regularly visited and tended graves of deceased relatives to honor their passing.

Sammy will share a grave with her sister Sally Rae, next to her parents Anne and Ben, and sister Lynda.

Sammy was preceded in death by her father and mother, Oliver "Ben" and Annie Spencer; sisters Sally Rae Spencer and Lynda Durst (née Spencer).

She is survived by sons John and Michael Nicholson; daughter Jayne Windnagel (Ned); former husband, John Nicholson; grandchildren Elizabeth, Sam (Angie), Rose, Gabriel Windnagel; great grandchildren David and Francis Windnagel; niece Annie Durst; and great nephew Thadeus Grisbeck.

A memorial service for Sammy will be held at 1:00 p.m. on Wednesday, September 13, 2023 at the Lakewood Cemetery Chapel, 3600 Hennepin Ave, Minneapolis, MN. Visitation will be held one hour prior to the service. Burial to follow the service.

 

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