Virginia L. Breese

Virginia (Ginny) Breese, of Toledo, peacefully passed away Monday, January 8, 2024, with family at her side. Ginny was born on November 27, 1929 to Otto and Agnes Linker. She will be buried with her husband, Charles, in Woodlawn Cemetery after a private family ceremony of the celebration of her life.

Ginny grew up on Willys Parkway and attended DeVilbiss High School (Class of 1947). She graduated from the University of Toledo in 1950 with a degree in Education. She was a member of Delta Delta Delta Sorority. She taught first grade at Arlington School in Toledo Public Schools.

On June 11, 1949 she married the love of her live Charles (Chuck) Breese. They first met on Toledo's Willys Parkway when Charles, who was a newspaper boy, knocked on Ginny's door to ask if they wanted to order the Toledo Blade. They dated through high school and college. Charles was a tax lawyer and CPA. Ginny worked alongside Charles as his "legal assistant" throughout his career. They celebrated 63 years of a loving marriage. One highlight of their marriage was the weeklong celebration of their 50th anniversary at Miley's Resort in Michigan, a favorite family rustic getaway, with all the kids, grandchildren, and other family members.

She was a loving and devoted wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, sister, aunt, friend. She treasured her family and friends and stated that her life had been fulfilled when she became a parent.

Ginny was a passionate lifelong learner and supportive of many various learning and educational adventures. Throughout her adult life she was a member of many book clubs. The library was one of her favorite places and she passed that love on to her children and grandchildren. She was an active member of American Association of University Women (AAUW) and was a strong early advocate for women having choices to enter all professions, especially in STEM. Ginny was an active volunteer for numerous organizations. She thoroughly enjoyed giving tours to children at places like the Lucas County Courthouse and the Toledo Metroparks. Another favorite place to take her children, grandchildren and great grandchildren was the Toledo Art Museum. She was a charter member of Judson Baptist Church.

Ginny loved to entertain and was an excellent hostess welcoming all into her home. She would host bridge club, book clubs, family meals, holiday meals, Young Life meetings and anniversary and birthday parties to name a few. Her home was one of the favorite hangouts for neighborhood friends of her children. One son-in-law described visiting the Breese home was like staying at 5-star hotel. Much laughter, great food and fun games were part of Breese family get togethers including spoons, euchre, bridge, and wild games of round robin ping pong.

Ginny was an excellent correspondent. Everyone loved receiving her handwritten mail. She was constantly writing letters and would often include news articles pertinent to that person's interests. In all her birthday cards she would include a $2 bill along with a lovely handwritten note.

Ginny was preceded in death by her loving husband Charles in 2012. Survivors include son, Darrell of Columbus, daughters Cindy (Clint) Longenecker of Toledo, Lory (Mike) Latimer of Riesel, TX and Brenda (John) Rand; 7 grandchildren, Lindsay (Tom), Clint, Tim (Iris), Shannon (Nathaniel), Shelumiel (Gabrielle), Cari (Laura), Charlyn (Zachary) and 5 great grandchildren, Cooper, Mollie, Aubrie, Oliver, and Ezra. Also surviving are her brother-in-law Harold (Tommie) Breese of Florida.

Memorial contributions may be made to your favorite charity in lieu of flowers or you may make a gift to The University of Toledo Foundation, Longenecker Family Scholarship Funds, 4510 Dorr St. Toledo, OH 43615.