Obituary of Virginia-Forever Whitaker

WHITAKER, VIRGINIA Forever a song in her heart By Richard Whitaker Virginia Whitaker, 80, Winter Park, FL., passed away Friday, November 21, 2003. Born in Dayton, OH on August 15, 1923, she grew up with the 'sound of music' always ringing in her ears. When only five years old, she began singing on her parent's radio show. Her dad, William Howe, played the piano/organ, accordion, and sang baritone along with her mom, Helen, an alto. Her brother, Richard, often sang duets with her with his strong, tenor voice. Though they often clowned around with vaudeville skits and routines on their radio show, her family's musical orientation was classical. She grew up hearing the likes of Melba, Caruso, and Tettrazzini. A coloratura soprano, she began eight years of voice training while in high school. The training continued when she received a scholarship to attend the Cincinnati College of Music where she graduated with a Bachelor of Music degree. While in college, she had her own radio program on WLW in Cincinnati. After graduation, she sang in her first opera, "La Boheme", on a national radio program originating from Chicago, The Chicago Theatre of the Air. In that opera she sang the role of Musetta with Richard Tucker as Rodolfo. She married Lt James E. Whitaker (USAF) in 1948. Although a military wife moving from one base to another, she still found time to perform with symphony and philharmonic orchestras across the country. When stationed in the Philippines between 1958-59, she sang with the Air Force Band on all the bases there. Along the way, she managed to bear five children before arriving to her final destination, Orlando, FL, in 1961. She had her sixth child that year. Her husband retired from the military in 1963. Two years later on January 17, 1965, she was the first woman to bear twins at the former Winter Park Memorial Hospital (now Florida Hospital). Over the next several years, she taught piano and voice, sang in churches throughout Central Florida, and tended to her 'brood'. In 1975, she got the role of Mother Abbess in 'The Sound of Music' and won the Central Florida Civic Theatre's Edy award for her performance. The next year, she auditioned and got the part of Micaela, in the Opera Gala Guild's production of Carmen at Tupperware Auditorium. She limited performances to such places as Orlando First Methodist, Orlando First Christian Church, Winter Park Drive-In Outdoor Church, Winter Park Church of Scientology, and Synagogues. She sang in the choir on occasion at St. Margaret Mary Catholic Church. She worked with the SAI Alumni Chapter, the Winter Park Musicale, and the music clubs of Orlando and Winter Park in scholarship fundraisings. Those she has left behind will truly miss her indelible spirit of giving and sacrifice. The lilting sound of her voice and contagious laughter will be remembered fondly in the hearts of all who knew her. Those who heard her sing know this: Heaven received a new choir member with a vocal talent so unusual that even the angels marveled. It's believed that God was so pleased with her earthly audition that He instructed she be allowed to sing solo on occasion. She is survived by her loving husband of 55 years, James; her four sons, James M., Terrill H., Richard K., and David A.; her three daughters, Kathryn A., Virginia I. and Beverly J. Whitaker; 11 grandchildren and two great-grandchildren. The family will receive friends for viewing Tuesday, November 25, 2003 between 5-9PM at Baldwin- Fairchild Funeral Home, 994 E Altamonte Dr., Altamonte Springs, FL. A Funeral mass will be held Wednesday, November 26, 2003, at 10AM at St. Margaret Mary Catholic Church, 526 N. Park Ave., Winter Park, FL.