Mrs. Virginia Rose Garland (Pisco), a Thunder Bay resident, passed away peacefully with her family by her side on August 12th, 2026. Born on March 19th, 1943, in Sudbury, she grew up in Port Arthur and attended Port Arthur Collegiate Institute. Soon after, she enrolled at St. Joseph’s Hospital School of Nursing in Port Arthur and graduated as a Registered Nurse. She dedicated four decades to nursing and retired from her position at Dawson Court.
Virginia is survived by her husband Gordon, children Linda (James), Debbie (Trevor), Gordie (Candace), Gerry (Keri), and grandchildren Justin (Nicole) and Jillian (Darien). She was predeceased by her parents Steve and Olga Pisco.
Grandma had a love for science, particularly the natural wonders of our universe, earning her the nickname “Saturn Grandma.” She enjoyed sharing knowledge about different planets, types of birds, geography, and her favorite flowers. Gardening brought her joy as did watching and feeding hummingbirds. She loved capturing moments through photography and cheering on the Toronto Blue Jays from home. Many cherished memories were made with Grandpa at their camp on Starnes Lake where they relished good saunas or caught another baseball game on TV. They also enjoyed taking my brother Justin and me to Starnes Lake during the summer for fishing trips, swimming sessions, playing Monopoly, and my favorite.. waking up to breakfast arranged into smiley faces on our plates.
Thank you, Saturn Grandma, for inspiring curiosity in us all while encouraging positivity and perseverance. We just need to look up at the stars to feel your presence.
Condolences may be made through www. nwfainc. com
