Tribute Wall
Plant a tree in memory of Virginia
An environmentally friendly option
2 tree(s) planted in memory of Virginia Karloff
Provide comfort for the family by sending flowers or planting a tree in memory of Virginia Karloff.
Guaranteed hand delivery by a local florist
Loading...
T
Tina Carrera posted a condolence
Wednesday, March 1, 2023
Oh Gina bo Bina - you are the only person I know that ate green chili sauce on top of popcorn! I loved hearing your voice and could recognize your laugh anywhere! Working with you for over 12 years was a blessing. You touched so many lives and the skills and , life lessons that you taught so many students will continue. So you did leave a legacy! Enjoy all the animals in Heaven & being with your bestie again! Love - Tina 'Bell' (Carrera)
D
David Jenkins lit a candle
Monday, February 27, 2023
//s3.amazonaws.com/skins.funeraltechweb.com/tribute-gestures/v2/candles/material_candle_white.jpg
While I was attending graduate school at Thunderbird in Glendale, AZ from late 1986 thru 1988, my Columbus, OH boyfriend Frankie, followed me west and moved to Phoenix as well. We both had been diagnosed as HIV positive in late 1984 and while all of my relative bloodwork and numbers remained excellent, his did not and his health began to deteriorate. He was living in Tempe renting a small cottage in the backyard of a local teacher 's home (who also happened to be gay) who was close friends with Gina. Gina immediately accepted Frankie and me into her circle of friends she loved unconditionally, despite the teachings of her Christian faith that regarded our love as "immoral". While I accepted a job offer after graduation and moved to
Los Angeles, Frankie pursued his dream of becoming an actor taking drama classes at ASU with Gina as his biggest fan! She also took him to the AJ High School Prom as her escort (she was a faculty chaperone), something he hadn't gotten the chance to do when he was in high school. As he grew sicker with AIDS, Gina was there for him in every way including keeping his parents in and me updated on his health, even helping him move back to his parents' home in Ohio for his final months in late 1989. Travelling internationally with my new job, I will never forget that early April evening in 1990 when my hotel room phone rang in Singapore and it was a tearful Gina calling to tell me that Frankie was dying and that I should call him in Ohio to say goodbye. I immediately called and his mother held the phone up to his ear since he had slipped into unconsciousness, so that I could tell him I loved him and that he should go to the light. The next day I flew to Guam and that was where the following morning of April 8, 1990, my hotel room phone rang right before dawn with Gina in tears telling me that Frankie had passed.
She had been such a true caring non-judgmental friend to Frankie and continued to keep in touch annually via email with me on my birthday, worrying about me and my health status and wanting to hear updates on my career and life. She even continued to stay in touch with Frankie's parents in Ohio for several years until their deaths.
In 1991 or 1992, I returned to Phoenix to Thunderbird for a day of interviews with graduating students for my employer. I had called Gina in advance to make sure I could treat her to dinner on the first evening of my trip. I took her to one of Frankie's favorite steakhouse restaurants, the now closed "The Firehouse" in Mesa. While Gina liked the food, I remember that she was a bit embarrassed by the rather provocative painting of a nude woman hanging in the dining area!
I cannot thank Gina enough for all of her kindness! She was a sweet loving soul with such a big heart! Gina was a true Christian by her deeds, not only by her words. She was that proverbial candle in the darkness and she is in my prayers that she is now at peace. God Bless You Gina!
L
Lenora Thompson posted a condolence
Saturday, February 25, 2023
It was around 1972, I was in Gina's business class. We were always pranking Gina and she would always laugh. Looking back, I don't know how the AJ teachers made it through the day. Somewhere over the years Gina became a family member, traveling with my parents, Dolores & LaMar Watkins, attending holiday parties, birthdays, graduations & special occasions. Gina was always about the food. She had a special "car apron" for her daily trip to Taco Bell. Gina would go to the drive through and say "it's Gina" and her order would be ready at the window. I will miss your sense of humor and smile. We'll save a cookie for you! Rest in peace. Love, Lenora
A
Aimee Doherty posted a condolence
Saturday, February 25, 2023
Ms. Karloff was by far my favorite teacher. Some of my fondest high school memories were of times spent in her shorthand class. I still remember her looking for her glasses while she had one pair on top of her head and another pair hanging from a chain around her neck. I feel blessed that we got to have lunch with her the day before our 25 year reunion. It’s a memory I’ll cherish forever. Rest in peace Ms. Karloff.
T
Tommy Thompson posted a condolence
Saturday, February 25, 2023
Spent many Christmas’ with Gina at our annual parties. Our family will miss you dearly! I suspect you and our mother (Dolores Watkins) are on a cruise of the clouds now. Rest In Peace my friend! Love you! Tommy
A
Anonymous planted a tree in memory of Virginia Karloff
Saturday, February 25, 2023
//s3.amazonaws.com/skins.funeraltechweb.com/tribute-store/memorial-tree.jpg
Our deepest condolences to Ginas family. She will be missed. Join in honoring their life - plant a memorial tree
Please wait
A Memorial Tree was planted for Virginia Karloff
Saturday, February 25, 2023
//s3.amazonaws.com/skins.funeraltechweb.com/tribute-store/memorial-tree.jpg
We are deeply sorry for your loss ~ the staff at Meldrum Mortuary Join in honoring their life - plant a memorial tree
Please wait
G
The family of Virginia Karloff uploaded a photo
Saturday, February 25, 2023
/tribute-images/983890/Ultra/Virginia-Karloff.jpg
Please wait