Pauline G. Via

Rena Pauline Gilmer Via, 103, passed away peacefully on Thursday, June 29, 2023, at Fredericksburg Assisted Living.

She was born on June 7, 1920 in Middlebrook, to the late Stuard Benjamin and Rosa Ella Hanger Gilmer. She lived a remarkable life spanning over a century.

Pauline was a devoted, founding member of Saint John's United Methodist Church in Staunton, where she found fellowship and community.

While Pauline's physical presence may be gone, her memories will forever live on in the hearts of those who knew and cherished her. She was an extraordinary woman who not only witnessed but also embraced the ever-changing world around her.

Her proudest accomplishments were the milestones she reached throughout her long and fulfilling life. To have lived past the age of one hundred and experienced countless transformative moments is truly remarkable.

One thing that defined Pauline was her love for gardening. The sight of flowers blooming brought immeasurable joy to her heart. Her green thumb left a lasting mark in the gardens she tended with care. Sewing was another passion that allowed Pauline to express her creativity and dedication to craftsmanship. Pauline also had a sense of adventure that led her to enjoy any opportunity to travel.

Above all else, Pauline treasured her family. Her love for them knew no bounds, especially when it came to her grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

She is survived by her son, Dennis Nathan Via and his wife, Lynn who were blessed to call her their mother; Michelle Dawn Via Jones and her husband, Wesley and Jason Michael Via and his wife, Rebekah Eaton, held a special place in Pauline's heart as her adored grandchildren; and her great-grandchildren, Aubrey and Chelsea Jones, Lachlan Eaton, and Lilias Via were constant sources of joy in her life.

In addition to her parents, she is preceded in death by Nathan Andrew Via, her beloved husband; her brothers, Homer B., James Walter, Stuard Clemmer, Preston Hogshead, Everette Homan Delaney, Ewell Guy Gilmer, Cooper Gilmer, and one who passed away in infancy; and her sisters, Iona Mae Gilmer Lightner, Mary Emma Gilmer Griffith, and Rosa Virginia Gilmer Hildebrand.

A funeral service to commemorate Pauline's life will be held on Thursday, July 6, 2023, at 1:00 PM at Henry Funeral Home with the Reverend Charles H. "Chuck" Cole officiating. Interment will follow immediately after at Augusta Memorial Park in Waynesboro.

It is suggested that those desiring may make memorial contributions to Saint John's United Methodist Church (1716 North Augusta Street, Staunton, VA 24401).