Obituary for Virginia Ann Harvie
Mrs. Anne Virginia LaPlaca Harvie of Litchfield County passed away on October 5, 2020 at the age of 93 after a brief illness.
“Virginia” was born in Trenton, New Jersey on July 13, 1927. She was the proud daughter of Dr. Homer and Mrs. Lydia (Bahrenburg) Ashley of Winsted, Connecticut.
Virginia and the love of her life Charles “Charlie” LaPLaca married in 1944. They went on to raise their family of one girl and three boys at Camp Washington, Lakeside Connecticut, where Charlie held the position of Director of Special Services for 28 years. Sadly, Charlie passed on at the early age of 55 from heart failure. Virginia and her family also endured the additional heartbreak of the loss of beloved daughter Ginny (Virginia Anne) at the age of 55 from cancer.
Virginia is survived by her three sons and their spouses John “Jay” and wife Cynthia (Longley) LaPlaca, Robert “Jeff” and wife Patricia (Lamarre) LaPlaca, Gerald “Jerry” and wife Janice
(Bellefeuille) LaPlaca, and son-in-law William and wife Susan Wakeen Perssonatti. Her loving grandchildren and their spouses include Anthony and Kathryn Cerruto III, Sara and Scott Gordon, John Paul and Skarlett LaPlaca, Jennifer and Blake Levin, Julie LaPlaca, Janelle LaPlaca and Beau Moore, Scott and Heather Perssonatti, and Kimberly Perssonatti and Kim Ward.
Virginia was blessed with eight great grandchildren: Alec Cerruto, Ava Gordon, Liliana and Catalina LaPlaca, Siena and Riley Levin, Teegan LaPlaca Moore, and Kenneth Perssonatti.
Virginia lived an extraordinary life. Her foremost passion was breeding, raising and showing Collies and she was a proud member of local and national dog clubs. Virginia traveled the country to participate in dog shows with award winning results. She later enjoyed competing in agility competitions with her Corgis.
Virginia traveled abroad with second husband James Harvie. They enjoyed a cross-country
adventure in an RV as well. Virginia and “Jim” spent their years together between homes in Morris, CT and Zephyrhills, FL.
In addition to her travel adventures, Virginia was an avid reader and loyal fan of the UConn
basketball program; played Mahjong, Bridge and Bingo like the champ she was; and charmed
family and friends with a clever wit and tales of her past. Virginia was loved by all who knew her. She will be remembered for her beautiful personality, generosity, and wonderful smile. She will truly be missed.
The family would like to extend its gratitude to the staff and caregivers of Brandywine Assisted Living at Litchfield for their expert care during Virginia’s stay.
In lieu of flowers memorial donations may be made in Virginia’s name to causes of choice such as the Alzheimer’s Association of Connecticut, Town of Morris Food Pantry, and the Morris Fire Company.
Friends may call at the Thurston Rowe Funeral Home, 283 Torrington Road, Litchfield, CT on Thursday, October 22, 2020 from 5:00 to 7:00pm. A private burial will be held in Winchester, Connecticut.
We ask everybody attending to please wear a facial covering and follow social distancing guidelines.
“Virginia” was born in Trenton, New Jersey on July 13, 1927. She was the proud daughter of Dr. Homer and Mrs. Lydia (Bahrenburg) Ashley of Winsted, Connecticut.
Virginia and the love of her life Charles “Charlie” LaPLaca married in 1944. They went on to raise their family of one girl and three boys at Camp Washington, Lakeside Connecticut, where Charlie held the position of Director of Special Services for 28 years. Sadly, Charlie passed on at the early age of 55 from heart failure. Virginia and her family also endured the additional heartbreak of the loss of beloved daughter Ginny (Virginia Anne) at the age of 55 from cancer.
Virginia is survived by her three sons and their spouses John “Jay” and wife Cynthia (Longley) LaPlaca, Robert “Jeff” and wife Patricia (Lamarre) LaPlaca, Gerald “Jerry” and wife Janice
(Bellefeuille) LaPlaca, and son-in-law William and wife Susan Wakeen Perssonatti. Her loving grandchildren and their spouses include Anthony and Kathryn Cerruto III, Sara and Scott Gordon, John Paul and Skarlett LaPlaca, Jennifer and Blake Levin, Julie LaPlaca, Janelle LaPlaca and Beau Moore, Scott and Heather Perssonatti, and Kimberly Perssonatti and Kim Ward.
Virginia was blessed with eight great grandchildren: Alec Cerruto, Ava Gordon, Liliana and Catalina LaPlaca, Siena and Riley Levin, Teegan LaPlaca Moore, and Kenneth Perssonatti.
Virginia lived an extraordinary life. Her foremost passion was breeding, raising and showing Collies and she was a proud member of local and national dog clubs. Virginia traveled the country to participate in dog shows with award winning results. She later enjoyed competing in agility competitions with her Corgis.
Virginia traveled abroad with second husband James Harvie. They enjoyed a cross-country
adventure in an RV as well. Virginia and “Jim” spent their years together between homes in Morris, CT and Zephyrhills, FL.
In addition to her travel adventures, Virginia was an avid reader and loyal fan of the UConn
basketball program; played Mahjong, Bridge and Bingo like the champ she was; and charmed
family and friends with a clever wit and tales of her past. Virginia was loved by all who knew her. She will be remembered for her beautiful personality, generosity, and wonderful smile. She will truly be missed.
The family would like to extend its gratitude to the staff and caregivers of Brandywine Assisted Living at Litchfield for their expert care during Virginia’s stay.
In lieu of flowers memorial donations may be made in Virginia’s name to causes of choice such as the Alzheimer’s Association of Connecticut, Town of Morris Food Pantry, and the Morris Fire Company.
Friends may call at the Thurston Rowe Funeral Home, 283 Torrington Road, Litchfield, CT on Thursday, October 22, 2020 from 5:00 to 7:00pm. A private burial will be held in Winchester, Connecticut.
We ask everybody attending to please wear a facial covering and follow social distancing guidelines.