Virginia Hume

August 05, 1927 - November 10, 2014

Virginia H. Hume left us quietly on November 10, 2014 at age 87, beloved of family and friends after a long life well lived. Her journey began August 5, 1927 at Rochester, Pennsylvania, the daughter of John and Naomi Holt and the second of four children. Her first place of residence was a small farm (referred to with amusement as â??Holtdaleâ? by family members) in rural Brighton Township near Beaver, Pennsylvania. Virginiaâ??s formative years were defined by the rhythm of farm life; animals, chores, working in the orchard, and time well spent in the woods surrounding the large house that sheltered her family, her grandfather, and was the site of many warm gatherings of family, friends and schoolmates. She grew into a strong, intelligent young woman, and it was at â??Holtdaleâ? that she met the love of her life, James M. Hume. James was a friend and hunting/fishing companion to her brothers, and their attraction was immediate and powerful. They dated through high school, and she kept his spirits up with constant correspondence during his military service. In 1946, soon after his return from the Pacific Theatre of World War Two they were married, and as of her passing, were together for 68 years. James and Virginia were eager to start a family, and in 1949 had a son Bruce, and in 1955 a second son, Kymber. Virginia was busy during these years with two young boys and community activities, including serving as Judge of Elections for Brighton Township and helping establish a kindergarten for local children. A big change came in 1959, when the family moved to the Pacific Northwest. James, an Operating Engineer, worked on the construction of the areaâ??s system of hydroelectric dams and interstate highways. Living in various locations during this period, Virginia concentrated on making a happy home for her boys and pursuing her hobbies of gardening and sewing. By 1970, with oldest son Bruce graduated from high school and off to college, new horizons beckoned, and James and Virginia left the Northwest for Phoenix, Arizona. Once again James found work on many construction projects, including the entirety of the Palos Verde Nuclear Plant in Phoenix. The couple remained in Arizona for the next 42 years, punctuated by travel to the Pacific Northwest and Pennsylvania, the birth of grandchildren, and eventually great grandchildren. Virginia followed her natural inclinations and extensively landscaped their Phoenix home. In 2013, due to advancing age, a desire to be closer to family, and health considerations James and Virginia once again came to the Pacific Northwest, residing with their eldest son Bruce and his wife April. They were welcomed as a blessing by the bustling family, consisting of seven grandchildren all grown up and thirteen great grandchildren. Virginia was preceded in death by two younger brothers, Franklin R. Holt, Lee D. Holt, and younger son Kymber H. Hume. She is survived by a large and loving family: Spouse James M. Hume, son Bruce R. Hume, older brother Robert E. Holt Prescott AZ, Grandchildren Michael D. Rough of Vancouver Wa., Summer A. Hume/Lynch of Missoula Mt., Brenna N. Hume of Spokane Wa., Galen W. Hume of Spokane Wa., Sarah J. Mellem of Spokane Wa., Emily A. Hetnar of Spokane Wa., and Hannah R. Jones of Spokane Wa. While Virginia has left us in body she is ever present in spirit, and in the hearts and lives of her family and friends. We will miss her, but gently, and remember her fondly, with honor and love. The Hume family would like to invite all who view this memorial to share photos, thoughts, and remembrances.