Virginia A. Sanborn

VIRGINIA ANN SCHLIMGEN SANBORN

My Mama, born 6/15/38, passed 3/10/23, with me by her side. What follows are some reflections of my own as well as those shared with me by my children, Eli Gray and Tucker Sanborn, as well as extended family and her friends (of which there are a great many)..
Some of her favorite childhood memories include skipping kindergarten to sit in the park, hunting with her brothers (until she shot a rabbit) and going to the movies with her sister Mary Jo. She loved being asked to hold a pony while the owner ate lunch at her father's bar, the Ohio Tavern. As a child, all my Mom wanted was a horse. After she graduated from high school and went to work as a secretary, she spent her first paycheck on Butterscotch (Scotchy), a beautiful palomino gelding.
She married Edwin Sanborn 6/8/63, and soon after they opened their farm, Thistle Downs. She worked the farm tackling all challenges that hard working farmers live with. She earned the respect of her fellow farmers and neighbors. Many became lifelong friends. As a woman, this was no small feat in the sixties. She also boarded horses, raised them and held horse shows.
She loved her grandsons fiercely and was extraordinarily proud of their accomplishments.. Those three had amazing times doing things together for over two decades. Eli enjoyed that his Granny listened to, discussed and shared stories at length with him and his brother. Tucker smiles thinking of when his Granny swallowed five skittles without water to show him it is easy to swallow pills. I give her much credit for guiding them to become the compassionate individuals they are. She also threw a great party and held one nearly every Saturday afternoon for her friends. There was always much laughter (and champagne). Less than a week before she died she held one last Saturday lunch which included many smiles and much warmth. I learned from the best when it comes to gathering friends for much merriment.
She loved her farm and her animals. Working that farm taught her to be tough, resilient and ready to weather any storm. She ran her first marathon at age 68 and another to celebrate her 70th. She was kind and treated everyone with respect and patience. Every day I wake up and strive to be just as bold, resilient, thoughtful and caring as she was. R.I.P Best Mama

Saturday 3/18 from 9:00 AM - 12:00 PM Visitation at The Vine (inside MadPower Training) 5264 Verona Road, Fitchburg

Saturday 3/18 6:00 PM - 11:00 PM Celebration of life during a concert my Mom very much wanted to attend as her grandson is the opening act. Tickets are $15 and can be purchased on EventBrite.

TBA in May: mass at St. Bernards catholic church with a reception to follow at the Ohio Tavern.

Informed Choice Funeral
& Cremation Alternatives
3325 E. Washington Ave. Madison
(608) 249-6758