Longtime Oak Harbor resident and lifelong teacher Virginia Wells Pajari died peacefully in her sleep Feb. 25, 2011. She was 88.
Virginia was born June 2, 1922, in Brawley, Calif., to Irwin and Naomi (Campbell) Wells. As a child, she studied piano and ballet, becoming a talented dancer. She worked her way through college teaching ballet, tap and adagio. In 1943 she received her teaching certificate from San Diego State College and began her teaching career in Southern California.
With the country in the midst of World War II, Virginia met and married a young naval officer, Erwin Horne. Within months, Erwin was killed, and Virginia was a war widow. She volunteered for the American Red Cross and became an ambulance driver, first in San Diego and later in San Francisco. There she met Daniel Alva Miller, a Navy pilot, whom she married in 1947. Her daughter, Frances Lynn (Lynn), was born in 1949, and son, Daniel Alan, was born in 1953.
Al’s naval career took the family to posts all over the country and Virginia taught school at these postings. When his career took them overseas, Virginia took every opportunity to connect with people and learn about their cultures. She loved being involved in community theater and playing bridge, both of which helped her make friends easily in new places. During a four-year tour in Japan, she taught English to Japanese businessmen and led tours throughout Asia. In Japan, her gracious manner, warm smile, and wit forged many friendships that endured throughout her lifetime.
In 1965 the family moved to Oak Harbor, where Virginia taught for 19 years, the majority of that time at Broad View Elementary School. She retired in 1984, ending a 46-year teaching career. She continued to find teaching opportunities outside the public school system, including the “Fifty-Five Alive” classes for AAA.
Her marriage to Al ended. Virginia married Victor Pajari in 1974. Virginia brought to their home scores of painted and carved giraffes she had collected from around the world throughout her life. Although her Navy travels had ceased, she continued her world travels, often with her daughter Lynn. They visited places all over the world including Spain, Morocco, Australia, Kenya and Scotland.
Virginia was preceded in death by husbands Erwin Horne and Vic Pajari, her son Alan, and her brother Erwin (Scotty) Wells. She is survived by her daughter Lynn; her stepdaughters Elaine Pajari, Shirley Pajari and Peggy Henninger; and her nieces Julie Wells Dalrymple and Alison Wells.
Lynn and the family would like to express their gratitude to the staff at Harbor Care and Regency on Whidbey for their kind and compassionate care of Virginia, which allowed her to pass her final years with dignity and humor.
A memorial service for Virginia will be held Thursday, March 3, at 2 p.m. at St. Stephen’s Anglican Church, 555 SE Regatta Dr., Oak Harbor. Virginia was an active member of the church and the family suggests that donations in her name be given to St. Stephen’s Anglican Church. Arrangements have been entrusted to Burley Funeral Chapel, Oak Harbor. Family and friends may sign an online registry and leave memories at www.burleyfuneralchapel.com.
