Virginia J. Fraties passed away peacefully on Friday, July 22, 2022, at her home in Colchester, VT. She was surrounded by her devoted husband and loving family.
Virginia was born on November 18, 1942, in Burlington, VT. She was raised in Waterbury Center by her parents, James T. Thurston, Sr., and Pearl E. Durett. Virginia was a loving, kind, and caring woman, and it was important to her that she instill those same qualities in her four children. Her foremost goal in life was to be a good mother - an objective she undoubtedly achieved. Virginia found joy in motherhood. From baseball games to horseback riding, she was actively involved in the lives of her children and championed their every success. Virginia was a constant source of support and generosity, sharing the precious love of family with friends and relatives alike.
Virginia had the endearing and uncanny ability of, "telling it like it is." An undeniable spitfire with a laugh-out-loud sense of humor, Virginia also had a gift of reaching people deeply, while always maintaining a message of positivity and hope.
For the past 34 years, Virginia has been deeply loved and supported by the love of her life, William E. Fraties. There was never a cross word spoken between the two of them - only shared love, tenderness, compassion, and affinity for Harley Davidsons. She was a beautiful, spirited, soul that lived life to the fullest and looked forward to each day she could spend with the love of her life, Bill.
Virginia worked at IBM for 25 years until retiring to enjoy the next chapter of her life. She was an avid gardener, loved westerns and war films, and enjoyed boating, fishing, hunting, traveling, and classic car shows. She road her own Harley Davidson on which she enjoyed many trips throughout the North and Southwest. Virginia had a love of jewelry, beautiful stones, and sterling sliver of the Southwest - acquiring her collection over several trips across the United States. She had a deep knowledge and appreciation of flowers, affectionately referring to her extensive family of plants as, "The Girls." Each summer her home was a rainbow of colors for all to enjoy when passing by Blakely Road. Whether it was backyard cookouts, swimming in the pool, picking blueberries, or cooking their favorite dishes, Virginia enjoyed every moment with Bill sharing in the company of their children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren.
Virginia was predeceased by her parents James T. Thurston and Pearl E. Durett; brothers Wendell Thurston, Sydney Thurston, and James Thurston, Jr. She is survived by her loving and devoted husband, Bill Fraties of Colchester, VT; her loving twin sister Brenda Viens of Fayston, VT; her beloved children: Jeffrey Atwood and wife Simone of Richmond, VT; David Atwood and wife Connie of Clayton, NC; Jennifer Provencher and husband David of Williston, VT; Michael Atwood and wife Shawn of Grand Isle, VT; her five grandsons; James Quill and wife Kristin of Williston, VT; Christopher Atwood of Charlotte, NC; Zac Poland of Burlington, VT; Cody Atwood of Richmond, VT; and Tyler Atwood of St. Albans, VT; her two beautiful great granddaughters; Kinsley Atwood of Charlotte, NC and Penelope Quill of Williston, VT; and her many nieces and nephews.
Virginia's heart went out to all Military Veterans. She requested that in lieu of flowers, to please donate to The Josh Pollata House in Colchester, VT.
A memorial service will be held at Malletts Bay Congregational Church, United Church of Christ, 1672 West Lakeshore Drive, Colchester, VT on Thursday, August 11, 2022 at 10:00 AM; a lunch reception will follow.