Virginia Ann Greive Schilhab
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Virginia Schilhab passed away peacefully in her home and entered her eternal life in the early morning hours of Thursday, July 15, 2021, at the age of 93. She was born in Praha, Texas, on October 10, 1927, to parents Richard and Anna Greive, and grew up in Victoria, Texas, graduating from Patti Welder High School in 1945.
As a high school teenager, Virginia always had an eye for the eventual love of her life, Lawrence, but her first face-to-face encounter with him was in typing class when he flirtingly asked her if he could borrow a piece of typing paper. Her witty response was, "They sell typing paper at the store!" Despite the bumpy start, it was the beginning of a long, beautiful love story! Virginia and Lawrence were married on July 30, 1946, in Victoria, Texas, and enjoyed 66 beautiful and loving years of marriage until Lawrence passed away in 2012. The two were inseparable and exhibited a deep and respectful love for one another. Lawrence adored his green-eyed beauty who possessed a great sense of humor; was always optimistic; had a calm and patient nature; was selfless, kind and generous; loved life; and smiled with zeal!
After residing in Victoria and then El Campo, Texas, for several years, she and Lawrence moved to Conroe in 1960, and made it their home for the next 60 years. They were blessed with ten children, seven sons and three daughters. Virginia was a remarkable woman and a matriarch in the true sense of the word; she was the thread that held the family together. She was passionate about motherhood and dearly loved each of her children unconditionally and in their own unique way, and they knew it! She was a great listener and always gave thoughtful and supportive advice to their uncertainties.
Virginia was a devoted Catholic and was an active member of Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Conroe. Her faith was the grounding force in her life, and she firmly believed in prayer and knew that anything was possible with God. She was a charter member of the Catholic Daughters of the Americas, Court Immaculate Heart of Mary #1884 since 1962, sharing her faith and love of God as well as serving the community with charitable endeavors.
While in high school, she especially excelled in her home economics classes and received numerous awards for her talented sewing skills, thus becoming an excellent seamstress. Virginia was also known for her delicious cooking and baking; of course, she received lots of practice preparing meals for her large family, and her fried chicken was the family favorite! She especially prided herself in baking a homemade birthday cake for each family member on their special day.
Virginia was an active member of the Sacred Heart Mother's Club and enjoyed supporting the various activities and events of her children while they attended Sacred Heart Catholic School. When her children became older, she decided to join the workforce and took a position as a pharmacist's assistant at Scott's Pharmacy for several years, and then was hired to be the attendance clerk at Conroe High School for 23 years. Virginia was a member of Beta Sigma Phi Sorority, where she held several officer positions, was selected Sweetheart and Girl of the Year, enjoyed working on the many service projects and attending their social events. She was also a member of the Montgomery County Association of Retired School Personnel upon her retirement.
After retiring, Virginia and Lawrence spent their time being together. They traveled to Europe, Asia, the Middle East, as well as toured many sightseeing spots around the US. They both loved gardening and even created a huge summertime vegetable garden each year in which Virginia canned or preserved their harvest. She also accompanied Lawrence on his weekly visits around the county as he ministered to the sick parishioners of their church. Perhaps their greatest joy they shared was having the opportunity to spend time with their grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Family gatherings was the highlight of celebrating holidays where memories were created and traditions established.
Virginia is predeceased by her loving husband of 66 years, Lawrence Schilhab; her sons, Dickie, Tim and Jeff Schilhab; daughter-in-law, Claire Schilhab (Dickie); son-in-law, Bill Kahn (Nancy); grandson, Zachary Kahn; as well as her parents; sister, Elenora Fleming; and brother, Bernie Greive.
She is survived by sons, Larry Schilhab (Linda); Michael Schilhab (Paula); Patrick Schilhab; Robbie Schilhab (Connie); and daughters, Nancy Kahn; Peggy Deering (Mike); and Darlene Howden (Jim). 22 grandchildren also survive, Melissa, Jennifer, Grant, Blair, Brad, Ashley, Kimberley, Cheryl, Laura Beth, Nicole, Brent, Justin, Hailey, Jeffrey, Jeremy, Jacob, Josh, Eric, Aaron, Chase, Hunter, and Carter; as well as 32 great-grandchildren; special niece, Gayle Hogwood; and numerous other nieces and nephews.
A Rosary for Virginia will be led by the Catholic Daughters at Metcalf Funeral Home on Monday, July 19, 2021, at 5:00 pm, with a Visitation to follow from 5:30 until 7:30 pm.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated in her memory on Tuesday, July 20, 2021, at 2:30 pm, at Sacred Heart Catholic Church, Conroe, with The Reverend Phillip Wilhite presiding. Interment will follow at Garden Park Cemetery, Conroe.
Serving as pallbearers are her grandsons: Aaron Deering, Hunter Howden, Carter Howden, Jacob Schilhab, Jeremy Schilhab, and Josh Schilhab; and her godson, Craig Greive.
The family would like to express their deepest appreciation and gratitude for her caregiver, Becky Lindley, who Virginia fondly called, "Essie", for her friendship, love and compassionate care, and to the staff of Rose of Texas Hospice for their excellent medical care, empathy and kindness.
Memorial donations may be made to the Sharing His Gift building fund at Sacred Heart Catholic Church, 109 North Frazier Street, Conroe, Texas, 77301, www.shconroe.org, or to your favorite organization or charity.