Virginia Browne

Virginia Browne (nee Olshefski) passed away peacefully at her home with her family surrounding her Saturday, Dec. 11, 2004. She was born and raised in Waukesha and married William O. Browne in October of 1940.

Virginia’s most important accomplishment was raising five children and teaching them compassion, caring and seeing the good in others. She was also an avid bowler, an astute bargain hunter and a huge Packers fan.

She was very devoted to her Catholic faith. She and her husband were charter members of St. William Catholic Church of Waukesha. Her faith included membership in various church organizations including Christian Mothers and Ministers of Praise.

She is survived by daughter, Virginia "Ginger" (John) Whitstone of Waukesha, William (LeeAnn) Browne of Tampa, Fla., Michael (Mary) Browne of Nashotah and Kathleen and Patricia Browne, both of Waukesha. She is further survived by 14 grandchildren and 14 great-grandchildren, who are the loves of her life. Also surviving are her sister, Catherine Schulte; her sister-in-law, Audrey Olshefski; and other relatives and friends.

She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, William; her sister, Leone; her brother, Herman; and daughters, Kathleen Nancy and Mary Elizabeth.

Mom’s wish was to remain at home until she was called home to Heaven. We were able to accomplish this with many hands including children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren, and especially the angel that was meant to come into her life at a special time, her faithful caregiver Theresa Petushek.

The family wishes to thank Dr. Gerald Berman and his office staff for many years of compassionate care. We are also grateful to Dr. Paul Guzzetta and his office staff who were an important part of her care team. We appreciate the home visits of mom’s hairdresser, Julie Carroll. Thank you to those who kept her in their prayers, sent cards or called to check on her.

Visitation will be held from 5 p.m. until 8 p.m., with a vigil service at 7 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 16, at Church and Chapel Funeral Home, 380 Bluemound Road, Waukesha (on the corner of highways J and JJ). A Mass of Christian burial will be held at 11 a.m. Friday, Dec. 17, at St. William Catholic Church, 440 N. Moreland Blvd., Waukesha.

Mom was always thinking of others, so in lieu of flowers the family requests memorials to Rolland Nelson Crossroads Hospice of Hartland, St. William Catholic School (in care of principal "Mr. Bob") or the Food Pantry of Waukesha County.

Church and Chapel Funeral Home is serving the family. For more information, call 549-0659 or visit www.churchandchapel.com to view the online obituary, leave condolences or receive directions.