Virginia Nina Tweedale

Virginia Nina Tweedale, age 91, of Chatham, died early Friday morning, August 21, 2015 at Whispering Pines Care Home in Chatham. She was born on March 3, 1924 in Owosso, Michigan to Delbert and Eva (Brothers) Atherton. When Virginia was a child, her family moved to Kiva where they lived for many years. She married James Matthew Tweedale on March 10, 1942 and together they raised their eight children. In 1957, they moved to Takkinen Road. Virginia was a hardworking woman. She worked at Dunklee's Evergreen Factory, painted and cleaned campsites for the Federal Forest Service, cleaned cabins for many years at Rock River, and worked at the Chatham Co-op. She was also one of the first home health aides in Alger County and worked at the Superior Health Haven and Tendercare. Virginia loved music and could yodel. She once yodeled on stage during a Loretta Lynn concert. She loved to dance and if there wasn't a partner, she would grab a broom or a chair. Nothing could stop Virginia from dancing. She also played softball at all positions until she was into her 70's. When she could no longer play, Virginia umpired the games behind the plate. She was a wonderful cook and enjoyed picking berries and canning.

She is survived by her children - Richard Tweedale and friend Audrey of Trenary, Phyllis (Joe) Hawley of Eben Junction, Linda (John) Trzeciak of Munising, Wade (Jen) Tweedale of Sheboygan Falls, WI, Ron Tweedale of Watertown, TN, Connie (Gary) Winfrey of Clarksville, TN, and Brenda Morris (Kevin Green) of Burton, MI; numerous grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and great-great grandchildren; brother - Charles (Carol) Atherton of Trenary; sisters-in-law - Rose Bagrowski of Traverse City and Eva Ruska of Munising; good friend - Kent Cox of Trenary; daughter-in-law - Jean Tweedale of Chatham; and numerous nieces and nephews. Virginia was preceded in death by her parents; husband - James Tweedale, Sr.; son - James Tweedale, Jr., daughter-in-law - Debra Ivers; and siblings - Kim, Delbert, Jr., Doris, Vera, Sheila, and Joyce.

Services will be held at the Sion Lutheran Church in Chatham on Tuesday, August 25, 2015. Visitation will take place from 11:00 a.m. until 1:00 p.m. Pastor Paul Kelto will conduct Virginia's funeral at 1:00 p.m. Interment will be at the Pine Grove Cemetery in Chatham.

Virginia's family would like to thank all of the staff at the Superior Health Haven, caregivers at Whispering Pines, and North Woods Hospice for their care.