Though we don’t have a formal obituaries section, if you lose a loved one and would like to honor them, we are always happy to publish the obituary (photo too) free, as part of the WSB tradition of sharing community information. This morning, Robert shares the news that his aunt Virginia “Ginny” Nieman-Lewis has died, and that her memorial is planned for next Thursday (March 10th). He says Ms. Nieman-Lewis had lived in West Seattle since the ’70s; you might have known her when she worked at the Cat’s Eye Café:

Obituary for Virginia Nieman-Lewis
Brought to us on August 25th, 1954
Departed her earthly shell February 26th, 2011

It is with great sorrow that I share that on the morning of Saturday the 26 of February 2011 at around 9 am, Virginia Lewis departed on her journey to the after-life. She passed peacefully in her sleep from unknown causes while in her home surrounded by family and friends. She was born in Iowa and attended High School there. She later pursued her education at Kansas State University, after which she became a resident of the West Seattle area….

Virginia is the beloved mother of and survived by her sons Alex Osborne, Shaun Cole, Michael Mackey, Daniel Mackey and his wife Alisha, and also a treasured grandmother to Christian and Charles.

Virginia is also survived by her best friend and sister Penny Ratliff and her husband Neal Ratlif,f as well as Virginia’s godchildren Dorothy Nelson and her daughter Angel Young, along with Dorothy’s boyfriend Robert Matteson, godson Shane Nelson and daughters Teddie and Heaven, goddaughter Melissa Wehner and her daughter Lily, and also Adam Petro, Virginia’s boyfriend..

Virginia was known by those who loved her as Rose and also by Ginny….She was Aunt Ginny to so many….In Life, Virginia had worked most recently at Pacific West Maintenance, the Two Bells Cafe and the Cat’s Eye Cafe, where she was befriended by many and provided great company, conversation, companionship and a meal that would not soon be forgotten..

Virginia was always there for her family and friends..She tried to make life better for all that she touched. She was that ride to nowhere in the middle of the night, a helper, a baby sitter, a attentive listener, a shoulder to cry on, an advise giver , a loving mom, grandmother,sister, aunt and Best Friend. She would sacrifice of herself so that others may flourish…Being around her just made things better….

She will be sorely missed by many…..Especially those whose lives were blessed by being able to share in her life. And once again shall we be blessed when reunited in the next life……

See you soon…………..

Services in memory of Virginia to be held Thursday, March 10, at: West Seattle Church of the Nazarene, 4201 SW Juneau St., Seattle, WA at 1 o’clock pm.