Virginia Madeline Kershaw Frisch spent a sunny Mother’s Day in her backyard surrounded by family. Then during the early morning hours of May 15th 2012, Virginia stretched open her wings and left her beloved earthly home to seek the stars and the moon and what lies beyond._x000D_
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Virginia began life on April 7, 1921 in Columbus, Nebraska. She and 8 siblings spent their childhood on farms in Wyoming. The family endured hardships that shaped who Virginia became. She moved to California to work and met her husband, Fred. They were married for 64 years until he passed in May four years ago. They raised 5 children in Montana, starting in Glasgow and ending up in Helena. She is survived by children Barbara “Bobbie†Conrady (Doug), Janice, Shirley “Hollyannâ€, John and Terry – all of Helena. She is survived by grandchildren Mark Easbey (Jennifer), Carlsbad, CA; Tonya Easbey, Granada Hills, CA; Cody Frisch, Helena and Pat McCoy, Helena. She leaves sisters Helena McGraw and Betty Ross; sisters-in-law Lenore Hinerman (Ray), Helen Peterson (Don) and Lillian Gregoryk; daughter-in-law Cathy Beckett, Helena and numerous nieces and nephews. Virginia was preceded in death by parents George and Mathilda Kershaw; sisters Viola Packer, Aretha Meyers; brothers Earl, Lester, Kenneth and Marvin._x000D_
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Virginia was dedicated to providing a secure home for her family. She was a role model for hard work and doing the best you can. She ensured her children were healthy and had as many opportunities as possible. She did it all – school projects, 4 H, sports, birthday parties, camping, church activities. Making the family home and yard attractive was important to her. She taught her children many skills. She was an excellent seamstress who made wonderful clothes for her children and grandchildren. Celebrating holidays together was important for her._x000D_
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Virginia seemed to have a bottomless source of energy. When the children were young, she worked nights as a nurses’ aide. She later worked as a teacher’s aide at Jefferson School in Helena. Years later, previous students upon seeing her would express their good memories. She worked as a seamstress and taught needlecraft for a local store and Adult Education. She served with several women groups. She was an avid bridge player and golfer._x000D_
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Virginia provided and participated in many activities with her children and later grandchildren. She loved to snow ski (until age 79), hike, camp, boat and fish at Canyon Ferry Lake. Even though dreadfully afraid of water, she took swimming lessons in her fifties and then she started water skiing. She took RV trips exploring the USA, Canada, Mexico and Europe. She had a long anticipated cruise to Alaska. She always had dreams. Time ran out with her still wanting one more adventure._x000D_
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Her children and grandchildren can never forget all the times she helped with painting, yard work, housecleaning, child care and the list goes on. Her body finally got in the way of her doing “tasks†but that didn’t stop her from giving to her family in any way she could. In her later years, she was able to soften, slow down and find delight in simple things. Her smiles and bright blue eyes became even more beautiful, even with all her bodily pain. _x000D_
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Cremation has occurred. There will be a private service at Montana State Veterans Cemetery, Ft Harrison where she joins her husband. In August, a celebration of her life will be held with family and friends at a favorite camping spot. If desired, memorials can be made to the Alzheimer’s Foundation of America, 322 Eighth Ave., 7th fl., New York, NY 10001 or Growing Friends of Helena, P.O. Box 709, Helena, MT 59624. To offer condolences to the family, visit www.bigskyfunerals.com._x000D_
The family is especially thankful for the care provided by Dr. Stockwell and her staff, Kay Robison of Pioneer Nursing and Lincare Oxygen. Joe Hrella of Hair Hair was a much treasured addition to Virginia’s “familyâ€. Virginia and family could never fully express the depth of their gratitude to daughter Janice for the years of constant caregiving that allowed her to stay in her own home as she wished. Janice’s canine partner, Buddha Boy, had a special bond and did his best to watch out for Gramma._x000D_
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Mom, Nana, Gramma – we will miss you so much. We know you are still guiding us – just as those lighthouses you loved so much. The beauty of light was special to you – the Northern Lights, stars, the moon, your garden lights, Christmas lights and campfires. We will feel your touch each time we are blessed by light. All that matters are memories of beauty, that you loved and were loved.
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