Virginia Catherine Hoover (nee Schoenbaum), 71, died quietly on June 11 surrounded by her family. Born on May 31, 1942, her dream as a child was to become a Mom and that was her primary role. Her five children were central to everything in her life.
Ginny was a single parent during a time when there weren’t many examples to draw from, and she paved the way on her own, reinventing herself to add an accomplished 30 year career to her role as mother. She started her career with Marks Travel in Oak Park where she worked as the bookkeeper for several years until she took a job with Oak Brook Travel, which later became Corporate Travel Management Group, where she worked until her retirement in 2011.
Hard working and organized, she balanced home and work seamlessly with no detail ever overlooked. She was an avid gardener who carefully planned her garden and tended it beautifully.
Virginia Hoover is survived by her children, Tom (Leisa), Caroline (Mike) Brogan, David (Lainie) and Mark (Caren); grandchildren, Matthew, Devin, Sophia, Lydia and Audrey; siblings, Tom (Naomi), John (Olga) and Dory (Larry); and her many nieces, nephews and cousins. She was preceded in death by her parents, Matthew and Cecilia (nee Konzal); sister, Judy; son, Matthew; son-in-law, Joe Keeley; and her trusted companion, Moses. Ginny leaves a legacy of love and devotion to her children and family, a well-worn passport which proves her love of travel, and a passion for progressive politics and social justice.
Her life was celebrated with a Memorial Mass on June 15 at Ascension Church in Oak Park. Donations to an organization of your choice supporting social justice, progressive politics or women’s rights, will be appreciated. Arrangements were handled by Drechsler, Brown & Williams Funeral Home.
