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Erwin -- Virginia McKnight Erwin, an admired and well-liked member of the Albuquerque community for 84 years, has died peacefully at her home. Virginia, daughter of Virgil Randolph and Mary Owens McKnight, grew up at the corner of 5th and Marquette, the present site of the 500 Marquette Bldg., and attended 4th Ward School, Washington Jr. High, and Albuquerque High School, where she was Miss AHS of 1932. She graduated from the University of New Mexico with both a Bachelors and Masters in four years and was"It Queen" in 1934. She taught school for a year in Roswell, NM. and returned to Albuquerque to teach English at UNM to many of her peers. In 1939, she married the love of her life, Robert Owen Erwin, who was from an New Mexico Military Institute family. Virginia, who was affectionately known as"Dinnie," was an accomplished watercolor artist, a talented vocalist, and a voracious reader. She enjoyed the arts, traveling the world, playing bridge, and tending to her rose garden, but her most treasured passion was always her family. she was ever the gracious lady. Her quick wit, sparkling personality and warm smile endeared her to all she met and all who knew her. She will live in our hearts forever. Virginia belonged to many clubs and organizations, among them Kappa Kappa Gamma sorority, Junior League, Child Study Group, the Book Club, the Old Glass Club, the Old Bridge Club, Chapter"E" of P.E.O., the Albuquerque Country Club, and was a lifelong member of the First Presbyterian Church. She was preceded in death by Robert, her devoted husband of 53 years, her daughter Suzanne, and her sister, Mary Helen Hendrix. She is survived by her adoring daughter and son-in-law, Mary Virginia (Mollie) and Robert Duff Custer; and her granddaughter, Erin McKnight Custer, the light of her life; she is also survived by her much loved nephews, G.G. (Tres) and Virgil R. (Randy) Hendrix. A private burial service was held shortly after her death. In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorials to be sent to the National Parkinson's Foundation, Inc. for Research, Development Department, 1501 NW 9th Ave., Miami, FL. 33136 or to the charity of your choice. Strong- Mortuary was in charge of arrangements.
        Published on: Wed November 08, 2000