Loving mother and devoted Grandmother Virginia D. Shackelford, 71, passed away Sunday August 5, 2012 at the Billings Clinic, her family by her side. Virginia was born August 16, 1940 in Belcourt N. D. to mother Mary Louise Dubois and father, Alfred Desjarlais, in 1947 the family moved to Wolf Point. She was a member of the Immaculate Conception Catholic Church of Wolf Point MT.
Virginia attended St. Josephs Indian School in Chamberlain South Dakota graduating in 1959. She worked several jobs, as a teen developing excellent work ethics at the Sweet Shoppe Café. Studying and receiving her C.N.A., she worked at the nursing home on the Southside of Wolf Point, and the Faith Lutheran Home on the North side. Virginia worked as a teacher’s aide at the Helena Flats and Evergreen School in Kalispell Mt. In addition, a challenging, yet inspiring job in Auburn California at the School for Mentally Challenged Adults. Her most rewarding job was as a homemaker, mother, grandma and dedicated wife.
In 1960 Virginia married Jimmy Magnan, from this union was born two children, a son Kevin and a daughter Tina. Jimmy died in 1972, after which she remarried Richard Shackelford in 1979. Moving back to Wolf Point in 1989 she began using her expertise to help care for her aging mother and young grandson.
She loved her children and mourned the loss of her son in a way only a mother can understand. Her Father in Heaven blessed her with a beautiful grandson Kevin Barley, whom she doted on and loved unconditionally he was her pride and joy. Kevin is a gifted musician and grandma’s wish was to hear him play his guitar on stage with his band. Unfortunately, her failing health made it impractical. Virginia was kind and generous, a good-natured woman, with a wonderful sense of humor and would laugh openly at a good joke.
She and her aunt Betty Pamer were as close as sister’s calling each other on the phone at least two times a day just to talk. They went shopping, to the clinic, and had lunch at Wolf Point Café together along with another loving aunt Boots Wallette.
Her past times included reading, crossword puzzles, watching intriguing true crime shows and most importantly, spending time with her family. Virginia was always kind, gracious and quick to give compliments. Even toward the end from her hospital bed as she fought for breath and in great pain, showed how gracious she was. She continued to compliment the nurses on how nice they dressed or looked.
Virginia donated to numerous charities such as the Disabled Veterans, St. Josephs, Guideposts, ASPCA, and St. Jude’s even while on a limited income. Her final most noble donation was the gift of sight as a cornea transplant donor.
In 2006, she suffered a stroke, diagnosed with COPD; she struggled with it the rest of her life as her health steadily declined. Virginia endured a hard life full of struggles, but she was a determined woman who dealt bravely with her adversity, making her family extremely proud, all loved Virginia, and she will be greatly missed.
Her daughter Tina Magnan and grandson Kevin Barley of Wolf Point survive her. Her surviving brothers include, Gordon (Violet) Desjarlais of Wolf Point, Eddie (Carole) Desjarlais of Bodfish California. Sister; Theresa Vandenberg of Great Falls Mt. Special Aunts; Bette Pamer and Boots Wallette of Wolf Point Mt. God-daughter; Kay Wallette of Wolf Point Mt., and adopted daughter Aria Schwartz of Denver Colorado.
Preceding her in death was her mother and father Mary Louise & Alfred Desjarlais, son Kevin Magnan, sisters Rita and Vita Desjarlais and Rose Frost. Brother, Norman “Buck” Desjarlais. Her uncles; Henry, Joe and Pat Dubois Aunt Cecelia Dubois husbands James J. Magnan and Richard Shackelford.
There will be a Catholic Vigil Friday August 10, 2012 at 7:00 p.m. at the Immaculate Conception Catholic Church in Wolf Point. In addition, services Saturday at 10:00 a.m. August 11, 2012 also at the Immaculate Conception Church in Wolf Point. Cremation will take place in Miles City.
Clayton Stevenson Memorial Chapel of Wolf Point has been entrusted with the arrangements. Condolences may be sent to the family by visiting www.claytonstevensonchapel.com.
Ron Jackson says
our prayors go out to the family
Willa GrayHawk says
I am so sorry for your loss Tina. My prayers are with you and your son in this difficult time. I apologize for not making it to the funeral.