Virginia Samel Obituary

Virginia Samel (nee Skirha), born May 19, 1929 in Chicago, passed away peacefully on July 17, 2025 in Naperville at the age of 96. In one final parental act, she waited until all three of her children were with her before deciding to let go.

Born to Paul and Marie Skirha, she and her sister Dorothy were first generation Americans deeply embedded in their Slovakian culture. She met Michael Samel at church and they were married in 1949. Four children followed: Judy, Mark, and Chris, as well as Diane, who died as an infant.

She began working in home jewelry sales for Sarah Coventry in the 60's as one of the first wave of female employees and was recognized as a top seller for many years. Given her life-long love of talking to people and looking her best, coupled with an incredible stubborn streak, this made perfect sense to her family.

Over the years her titles expanded to include Aunt Ginny (the only time she went by Ginny), Grandma Duchess (after her dog), and GG (much easier for her great grandchildren to say). There was always a craft or art project to be had for her grandchildren when they visited, and the Picture Table to look at when they missed their traveling parents. She and Michael were at every band concert, recital, and event that their grandchildren were a part of, even after his death in 2004.

Both Virginia and Michael were very involved in the Masonic service organizations, including Rainbow Girls, Boy Builders, Eastern Star, Masons, and Shriners. She was Grand Chaplain and then Mother Advisor in Rainbow Girls, Worthy Matron of Berwyn Chapter OES 13 times, and an ardent supporter of all the other Masonic organizations.

When Virginia felt that their home in Berwyn needed improvements, she simply took a hammer to the wall and began them herself. Some might say that she was more successful in improving her garden, which became her pride and joy. Their corner lot along the alley became an urban oasis, eventually including three koi and goldfish ponds, award-winning iris, and a garden that was photographed for magazines. Even until her late 80s, she could often be found pruning her plants, wading in the ponds to fix a filter, or putting out four kinds of food for the resident squirrels (but never the raccoons, who sometimes snacked on her fish).

Her other passion was painting, usually still life scenes, and her house was full of canvases, brushes, paints and other supplies. She founded the Brookfield Art League to share her skills and remained a devoted member until she moved to Naperville in 2020.

Though her last years were not easy physically, she was grateful for the support of her family, who indulged many phone calls for very specific items, sometimes calling each of them until she found one who would acquiesce. Virginia never missed the chance to get her nails or hair done, to flirt with any man who came her way, or to add a piece of animal print clothing to her wardrobe. She was an independent woman, a unique gem with an artist's temperament, and a force of nature. Her family's wish is that the stories of her antics and laughter will live on through lives of service and artistry.

A private memorial will be held at a later date. In her honor, the family asks that you plant a flower or create art that brings you joy.

Arrangements have been entrusted to Friedrich-Jones Funeral Home 44 S. Mill Street Naperville, IL 60540.

For more information, please visit www.friedrich-jones.com or call (630) 355-0213.