Virginia Labrum was born on September 27th, 1942. She was given up tobe cared for by the state due to her developmental disability, acommon practice at that time. Virginia lived in a variety of largeand mid-sized institutional settings until 1982 when she became one ofthe original 6 clients of Creative Living Services. CLS providesresidential supports for individuals in their own homes in thecommunity and Virginia embraced her independent life with energy andgood humor. Virginia worked at the Lighthouse for the Blind, whereshe was also among the first 6 people in supported employment. Sheworked at the Lighthouse for 37 years. She was a dedicated and muchloved employee who hated to ever miss a day of work and was known bypeople all over the Lighthouse.
Virginia embraced life and lived it to the fullest. Though she waslegally blind Virginia loved to create art. She liked to spend timeat the beach, at Greenlake, or swinging in her swing. She enjoyedswimming. She loved spending time with her sister and her goodfriend Mikki, among other friends and housemates. Over the yearswhether at home or at work Virginia was always accompanied by her bearBlackie. He went with her everywhere and was her constant companion.
Virginia was proceeded in death by her beloved foster mother Jerry,and is survived by her sister Carolyn. She will be greatly missed bythose who worked with and for her over the years and who had theprivilege to know her.