Freelance Writer Files: My Mama, 1916–2011
Virginia Barebo Schumacher, 95, of Jefferson City, MO, passed away Thursday, September 29, 2011, at Jefferson City Manor Care Center. She was born February 19, 1916 in O’Fallon, MO, the daughter of the late Millard Andrew and Viola Mary (Kessler) Barebo. Virginia, known to friends as “Dink” for her petite stature, was Charlemo Queen at St. Charles High School in 1933, the year she graduated. On November 23, 1938, in St. Charles, Missouri, she married Roy Edward Schumacher, who preceded her in death in 1986.
A natural singer with a beautiful soprano voice, Virginia at one time sang popular and semi-classical music each week on her own half-hour radio program at St. Louis University. In 1949, she gave birth to a daughter, Elizabeth Virginia. 
Virginia was a dedicated Christian Scientist who volunteered her time to the church as Music Chairman, Sunday School teacher, and Assistant Clerk. She smiled always, laughed often, and was unfailingly gentle and kind.
She is survived by her daughter, Elizabeth Craig, of Mission, Kansas; one grandson, Jonathan W. Fields, of Shanghai, China; one niece, four grand-nephews and one grand-niece. She was preceded in death by one sister, Mildred Barebo Sebacher, and one brother, Hally Lee Barebo.
Liz
Sorry to hear of your loss – prayers for healing and strength going out to you.
Your mother sounds lovely and with comments such as “She smiled always, laughed often, and was unfailingly gentle and kind.” with that wonderful photograph, I can almost hear her singing:).
Treasure the memories.
John
Elizabeth: I am sorry to learn of your mother’s death but I am so pleased to learn about her life. There’s something special going on in that photo, I think.
sadly sweet. and you can see your face in hers. sorry for your loss. how wonderful, at least, to have had her around for so many years. we all should be so fortunate to live as long and full life as she did
Thanks, Jon. I appreciate your kind thoughts so much. I sometimes look like her, and I have vowed to try to be more like her. Kinder, more compassionate, giving things the “light touch.” I asked her once why she always seemed so optimistic. She said, “I don’t know. I guess I was born that way!” Lucky!
Dear Hilda,
Thanks for your keen eye. There is a kind of glow about her in that picture. The glow was always there, but at times in my life, I couldn’t see it. My bad. When I matured, I loved her more than I could say, and I appreciated the glow she had cast on me for all my life.
John, thank you for your kind thoughts and prayers. I will always remember her beautiful voice, and her laugh. And I will treasure the memories.