Virginia Fromm 12/22/24-5/6/12
Jesus never fails.
Virginia was born in Santa Barbara, CA, on December 22, 1924. Growing up in nearby Ventura she was the eldest of the four Smith children. Her parents, Charles and Maude Smith, gave their only daughter three baby brothers to help care for and play with: Chuck, Paul, and Bill.
Virginia and Robert Fromm
In 1944, she married Staff Sgt. Robert L. Fromm after his service in WWII. They began their life together in Santa Ana and then on to Pomona until 1962, when Virginia and Robert moved with their four sons to Modesto. It was in Modesto that Virginia set roots and could regularly be found playing the piano for her church. Her four robust and growing sons also shared her passion for music and life. As her sons began to launch into young adulthood, Virginia’s own passion for caring for the young (“for of such is the kingdom of heaven” Mt 19:14) led her to devote much of her life to young people. She taught children to read and assisted with musical productions at Bret Harte (1968-1969) and Orville Elementary School (1969-1995), and she devoted time to working with pregnant teens at Elliot School (1995-1998).
Virginia was preceded in death by her parents (Charles and Maude), her brother (Bill), and husband (Robert). She will be greatly missed by a devoted family.
Those in her family joining in the celebration of her life and remembering her for a legacy of prayer and trusting in Jesus include: her brothers Chuck and Paul; sons, Robert, Chuck, Gary, Rick, and their wives; her 11 grandchildren; great-granddaughter, Tessa; and beloved companion, Chet Baker. Virginia will also be missed by a multitude of family, friends, and “sister chicks.”
It could be said of Virginia that she never knew a stranger. Even after her husband’s passing in 1997, she continued her energetic involvement and travels with friends, family, and church groups. She was committed to living out her life motto, “Jesus never fails.”
Virginia wrote in her will, “I want people to remember that I love Jesus and am a follower of Him. I want to be remembered as a good mother to my children and grandmother to my grandchildren. I wanted to be a good, loyal friend, and a good sister to my brothers and their wives and aunt to their children.”
She will certainly be remembered for these things and far more. Her humble words belie a vastly significant life—a life where strangers were generously welcomed, children were loved, family was a priority. She shared their home with an open door for neigbors, friends, family, and many traveling bands during the Jesus Movement of the 70’s…and Jesus was the center of it all.
