Virginia Joan Lovett (née Dinardo)

Passed away unexpectedly at the age of 103, from a respiratory virus (HMPV) she contracted at Omni Woodland Villa nursing home in Long Sault, ON, one week prior to her passing. 

Virginia was born in Ottawa, widow of the late George Lovett, pre-deceased by her parents Giovannina Marasco and Francesco Dinardo, and 8 siblings, Mary, Helen, Fred, Carmella, Raymond, Matilda, Arthur, & Frances.

She is survived by her son Joe, & daughters Brenda and Susan. She leaves behind many grandchildren and great grandchildren. She will be remembered fondly by many nieces and nephews, Joan, twins Albert & Arthur, a few more in the USA, Canada, UK & South Africa, some cousins, as well a couple of long time “younger friends”, Jill Bennett and Anabel Davidson that kept in touch & visited her.

Virginia met her husband George in Montreal, while she working at the Montreal flying club in 1954. He was an Ex British Air Force pilot who came over to Canada from England to be hired as a flight instructor. Virginia worked in the office as a receptionist, after a short time of dating they were married in April of 1955. They were together for 54 years, Virginia would move & follow George to many homes in Quebec & Ontario, and they travelled well together. They took a couple of European trips and travelled to many other destinations in their motorhome in Canada & the USA over the years until George passed away from cancer in 2009.

Virginia lived an extra-long and interesting life with many adventures; she was the last sibling to pass away. She was in the spotlight at an early age, gifted with a musical ability, she was heard on the radio at the age of 14, a melodious voice in the 1930’s, won singing contests, received fan mail & telegrams from as far as New York. She also sang at weddings in Ottawa, and was the soloist for Paul Hébert and his orchestra at the Standish Hall in Gatineau. Virginia was a social & energetic woman, she had many friends younger than she, and would say she was over 39 yrs old when asked her age. A good humoured person, opinionated and willing to lend a helping hand to many when needed. She loved watching sports from going to baseball and hockey games with her brothers in Ottawa, later she became a fan of tennis & watching Roger Federer. With a curiosity for life, she learned to play bridge, bowl, knit, crochet, golf, quilt, line dance, play darts, some of these with the senior club in Brockville & others in Montreal. She enjoyed trying new foods, was a great cook, and well known for her delicious pork rib spaghetti sauce (Grandpa Dinardo’s recipe), lasagna, and her chicken curry. Our mother truly was special, she lived on her own with home care until she was 98, after which she entered retirement homes, and finally a nursing home at 100.

 We’d like to mention some of the staff at Woodland Villa, that appreciated Virginia & supported her care in the best ways during the past 3 years. Many staff enjoyed Virginia’s candour, outspokenness, singing, and her happy & easygoing attitude. We acknowledge Dr. Crooks, RN’s, RPN’s, PSW’s that worked in Farran’s section. The activity coordinators could always count on Virginia for cooperation, historical facts and joining in with song. 

Virginia’s wish was to be cremated & interred in the “Dinardo” family plot at Notre Dame Cemetery in Ottawa. ❤️

Donations to the charity of your choice or plant a tree are welcome.