Virginia Mary (Catanzaro) Brosious

Virginia Mary [Catanzaro] Brosious was born to Mary and Samuel Catanzaro on December 5, 1927 in Chicago, IL. Virginia was the youngest of five – Samuel, John, Thomas and George. She grew up on the near west side of the city, and attended Siena High School. After graduation, she took several jobs in the Chicago area, including one for the phone company as a switchboard operator.
After World War II, Virginia met and married Donald W Brosious. The result of this union produced 4 children – Dolores, Rita, Mary, and Donald Jr. As the children got older, Virginia went to work for Sears, Roebuck and company – a career that spanned more than 30 years. She started in the electrical department, and ultimately became an interior decorator.
While she enjoyed her work, she was equally enthusiastic about her volunteer activities, including the Elmwood Park Youth Commission, and her 9-year term on the Elmwood Park School Board. She loved animals, and had either a cat or dog as pets for many years… among them – Bing, Frisky, Pepe [Buff], and Motor.
Virginia retired to Fort Lauderdale, Florida, and, for more than 25 years, enjoyed winters without snow. Always one to keep busy, Virginia once again became a volunteer with several organizations, including the Museum of Discovery and Science and the Broward Center for the Performing Arts in Florida. In her later years, she moved to Rockford to be close to family. Once again, her penchant for volunteering continued at local museums and theaters in Rockford.
Travel was high on her list. She roamed the streets of Russia, flew in hot air balloons, walked on the Great Wall of China, slept in the jungles of Africa on safari, hiked in the Grand Canyon at age 77, and toured Australia and New Zealand at age 81. Over time, she went on several cruises, and worked once on a cruise ship thru the Panama Canal Zone. One of her final jobs in Florida was as a hostess with Princess Cruise Lines. In Rockford, she worked with Canterbury Tours, assisting as a chaperone with day trips well into her 80s. On February 20, 2020, she made her final trip to her heavenly home.
Virginia [Virgie, or Grandma Virgie as she is called] is survived by her children, many grandchildren, and several nieces and nephews who love her dearly.
Fitzgerald Funeral Home has been entrusted with the arrangements. A Celebration of Life will be scheduled by the family at a later date.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to: Northern Illinois Hospice, 4751 Harrison Ave, Rockford, IL 61108; Crimson Pointe Senior Living, 7130 Crimson Ridge Drive, Rockford, IL 61107; or your local Humane Society or Animal Shelter.