Virginia Mae (Sharples) LaJoice

Virginia was born April 20, 1928 in Detroit, Michigan to Henry and Rose (Kirkpatrick) Sharples. She grew up in Sault Ste. Marie, Michigan where she graduated from Soo High School in 1946. She married ‘Jerry’ LaJoice in 1947 after his return from serving in the Navy during World War II. They were happily married for 73 years.

After raising five children, Virginia worked as a secretary for the First Presbyterian Church. She was very devoted to her church, having served as a Deacon, a Sunday School teacher and helping with their Lunch Bunch program.

Her interests included sewing, cooking, bowling, volunteer work, and spending time with her family. She was a wonderful mother and left her family a legacy of love, service, integrity and faith.

She is survived by 2 sons, Stephen and Joseph LaJoice of Marquette, and 3 daughters, Jeanmarie Soderberg and Susan (Dewey) Jones of Marquette and Cynthia (Joseph) Torrence of Higgens Lake, Michigan. She is also survived by 11 grandchildren, 22 great grandchildren, and 10 great- great grandchildren. Besides her parents and husband, Virginia was preceded in death by her 3 sisters and a granddaughter.

A private family service will be held with interment at the First Presbyterian Memory Garden.

Fassbender Hansen Funeral and Cremation Services is serving the family. Condolences may be expressed online at fassbenderswansonhansen.com.