I met Virginia when I met Kelley in 2014. Virginia’s wide smile, robust laugh and gentle eye contact welcomed me along with Ann into the unique Lopez community. It did not take long to realize her impact on the beloved island and community. She was the cheerful busy overseer of the farmer market welcoming all who entered the field and coming to assist the many vendors. Virginia extended that same warm embrace to my dear friends Frannie and Shannon when they traveled across country for the Lopez Wedding. Within moments of meeting I watched her and my dear friend Shannon laughing and sharing stories of travel and Virginia’s eyes sparkled as she talked about her island and her friends that live there. I had the honor of cooking thanksgiving dinners, eating her green bean casserole cooked especially for my Casey; Christmas dinners and exchange of sweet gifts from the island and North Carolina; the Christmas of 2017 when even with a deep snow Virginia made it to Bellingham sliding in the driveway to spend christmas eve and day with us! Thanks to Ann we all attended the breathtaking Nutcracker ballet in 2017 together. I will always think of her broad smile that covered her face as she talked with me about just anything. I will remember the Christmas of 2018 when we traveled to Anacortes on Christmas day to bring her some cheer as she tried to recuperate. She was even then cheerful and so appreciative– however it is I that appreciated being able to sit with her, talk with her, share a genuine friendship that although was fairly new it felt like we had known each other so much longer. She loved Ann and Kelley and my son so much. She was obviously loved by so many and brought light and warmth to each that she touched with her smile and genuine kindness. I will miss her unique soul and am better for having known her.