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Virginia Minter May passed away Christmas morning December 25, 2007, at her home in Albuquerque, NM. She was preceded in death by her loving husband, Marvin, after 65 years of marriage. Virginia was born in Carlsbad, New Mexico on September 29, 1917 to Victor and Helen Minter. Her two brothers and two sisters who have preceded her in death. Growing up in Carlsbad, she enjoyed swimming in the river, exploring Carlsbad Caverns by lamplight, and collecting arrowheads. Virginia was an accomplished musician. She served as the organist for Carlsbad Presbyterian Church. In 1940, Virginia left Carlsbad to attend Kahler School of Nursing in Rochester, MN. She was an outstanding student. She graduated in 1942 finishing first in her class and received a $500 award. After graduation from Kahler, Virginia returned to New Mexico and was hired as the one and only registered nurse at the University of New Mexico Student Health Center. As fortune would have it, in 1942, a young Civil Engineering student named Marvin May noticed "the pretty nurse in her white uniform and Navy blue nursing cape" walking across campus. Marvin quickly developed a number of mysterious ailments so he could be seen by Virginia at the Student Health Center. Marvin's persistence paid off and, in June 1942, only three months after their first date, Marvin and Virginia were married. In 1943, the first of their two daughters, Virginia Louise was born, followed in 1946 by their second daughter, Mary Caroline. Virginia was active in the Altar Guild at St. Mark's on the Mesa Episcopal Church. She was a Brownie and Girl Scout leader and delivered Meals on Wheels. Virginia and Marvin shared a love of art, music, and nature. They traveled extensively in the Northwest and Southwestern states. They also enjoyed traveling in Austria and Germany. Virginia was a talented seamstress and made outfits for her daughters, granddaughters, and their dolls. She was an avid gardener and enjoyed anything that bloomed - especially roses. She instilled a love of nature in her family by finding and identifying wildflowers, whether on picnics or on drives, and hikes. "Gremie" as she was know by her five grandchildren, and nine great-grandchildren, always had a delicious, homemade dessert at the ready. Her kitchen and home were always welcoming. Virginia was blessed with grace, dignity, intelligence, and a loving soul. She is survived by her two daughters, Virginia Shumate and husband, Chandler of San Diego, CA, and Mary Sproul and husband, Jeff of Albuquerque, NM, and grand and great-grandchildren. Cremation has taken place. The family will have a private celebration. Donations may be sent to New Mexico Library for the Blind, 1209 Camino Carlos Rey, Santa Fe, NM 87507-5166
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