Virginia Ann (Brokaw) Gerhardstein passed away Monday morning, July 14, 2014 in her home surrounded by her family. She was 83.
She was born October 23, 1930 to the late Raymond & Edith (Modeer) Brokaw in Van Wert. After Virginia was graduated from Van Wert High School, she earned her bachelor’s degree from Cornell University with the class of 1952.
On September 25, 1954, she married Kenneth R. Gerhardstein and together they spent 52 wonderful years until he passed away in 2006.
Virginia worked at the Main Branch of the Richland County Public Library, in downtown Mansfield, for over 35 years until retiring as the head of the reference department in 1992. She was very active with The American Association of University Women (AAUW) all her life and was passionate about empowering women of all ages to attend college.
In spare time, she took pleasure in tending to her garden, enjoying the flowers and sunshine. She was also very skilled at all the needle arts: knitting, sewing, cross-stitch, and more! But above all, Virginia cherished her dogs and had a special fondness for Labradors.
She is survived by a daughter Anne Bender of Mansfield; son and daughter-in-law Kenneth & Martina Gerhardstein of Albuquerque, NM; a grandson and his wife Andrew & Anna Bender of Chicago, IL; and two great-grandchildren: Owen Bender and Iris Bender.
In addition to her loving husband, she was preceded in death by her parents and a son-in-law, Gary Bender.
Although no public service will be held in Virginia’s memory, her family hopes that you will hold her in your heart as you remember her in your own special way.
Contributions in her memory to the Richland County Humane Society or the ASPCA can be sent to the funeral home: P.O. Box 3085, Mansfield, Ohio 44904.
Snyder Funeral Homes is honored to serve Virginia’s family and encourage you to share a fond memory or message of condolence at SnyderFuneralHomes.com
