GORHAM- Virginia Louise Beagle of Gorham, Maine, died on January 27, 2021, at the age of 98, passing peacefully away in the presence of her beloved family. Virginia had a splendid life—filled with laughter, love, travel. Always curious, always ready for any adventure, always eager to hear her youngest son play guitar, to share stories with her greatgrandchildren, to relish a lobster roll at the Lobster Shack or paint flowers, Virginia enjoyed life to the fullest right up to the end. A week before she died, she excitedly showed her children a panda she had just painted!
Virginia, an identical twin, was born in Inglewood, California, on August 2, 1922, to Herbert Philip and Dorothy Irene (Gott) Simmons. Although Virginia was an identical twin and she and her twin were dressed identically by their parents throughout their youth, Virginia was very much one-of-a kind. She had an infectious enthusiasm for life, a friendliness to all whom she met, and a fortitude and positivity unmatched. Virginia and her twin Isabelle Jean grew up in a loving household during the Great Depression, attended South Pasadena High School, and then Broad Oaks Teacher College in Pasadena. In 1943 Virginia met Eldon Claude Beagle at a dance mixer with the Cal Tech boys, and they were married in 1945 in a double wedding with her sister and fiancé Gordon Roberts at the Pasadena Presbyterian Church in California. Virginia always spoke of this as one of the many highlights in her life. After marriage, Eldon and Virginia settled in East Sacramento, and Virginia began teaching kindergarten, teaching at Earl Warren Elementary School in Sacramento for twenty-seven years. She received her Master's Degree in Education from Sacramento State College. Virginia was an active member in Eastern Star, PEO, attended First Parish Congregational Church in Gorham, helped prepare meals for seniors at St. Anne's Church, and loved to read to preschoolers at Lisa Seiferth's. Virginia traveled extensively throughout her adult life—visiting over twenty countries including Japan, China, and India, oftentimes with her husband Eldon who died in Bangladesh in 1983, often with Elderhostel and wonderful friends whom she met through that organization, and later with her daughter Nancy.
Virginia lived most of her life in Sacramento, moving to Gorham, Maine, in 2005 to reside with her oldest son, Alan, and his wife Linda. Linda's care of her mother-in-law was so filled with love; that care, and the love and attention of her whole family, filled Virginia's last years. She is survived by her four children and their spouses--Alan Beagle (Linda) of Gorham, Maine; Nancy S. Beagle of San Gabriel, California; David Eldon Beagle (Karen) of Clermont, Florida; and Martin Curtis Beagle (Debi) of Olympia Washington-- six grandchildren—Juliana Noel, Elisabeth Lindsey, Emily Lauren, Ryan David, Robert Eldon, and Andrew Martin—and eight great grandchildren, all whom she thoroughly enjoyed. Virginia also leaves behind a wide circle of friends—particularly her wonderful caregiver Sue McGee--and many relatives. A celebration of Virginia's life will be held this summer.
Online condolence messages can be submitted at the Chad E. Poitras / Neal & York Funeral Home website, www.mainefuneral.com
Arrangements have been entrusted to Chad E. Poitras Cremation and Funeral Service, Buxton, www.mainefuneral.com