Virginia F. (Mellin) Chom

Virginia F. Chom, 86, passed away July 19, 2016 in her Painesville home, hands held by her family. She was born June 8, 1930 in Mentor.  Babe grew up in Fairport Harbor and attended Fairport High School.  Working briefly a drug store in downtown Painesville until she met and married her soulmate, Alex E. Chom in 1949. The family takes great comfort in knowing that Al and Babe are together again.

Home and family was the center of her life. She created a beautiful home and Alex framed it with beautiful gardens which overlooked the Grand River. She was an excellent seamstress, baker, cook, and gardener. Her interests were diverse; she loved crossword and jigsaw puzzles, had a library filled with romance novels, American and Indian history books, and was a huge fan of Game of Thrones and Disney movies.

But her strongest talent was in creating a nurturing environment to raise their children, entertain their grandchildren and greatgrandchildren.

The family remained so close, that even after marrying and moving away to raise families of their own, one Thanksgiving, well over a decade ago, a question was asked why they only gather like that once a year. Virginia said, “Well, come back next week.” And they did, every week, giving thanks to Thursdays and family dinners, heavily seasoned with laughter and witty commentaries about their lives. A legacy they have promised her to carry on.

She is survived by her children, daughter Cathee Thomas of Madison, sons Richard A. (Wendy) Chom of Painesville, Robert E. Chom of Grafton; grandchildren, Tina Thomas (Brian Stobiecki), Becky (Michael) Mele, Erin (Chad) Eldridge, Matthew Thomas, Lysa Thomas; great grandchildren, Michael and Jacob Mele and Evlyn Eldridge.

She was preceded in death by her husband Alex E. Chom in 2012.

Babe was extremely heathy and active until cancer struck suddenly this spring. The family very grateful to Hospice of the Western Reserve for their tender care and help during these final intense weeks.

Calling hours will be from 1 to 3 and 5 to 7 on Monday July 25, and followed by a memorial service at Spear Mulqueeny Funeral Home, 667 Mentor Ave., Painesville.

In lieu of flowers the family suggests donations to one of her favorite charities helping Veterans, Animals and Cancer research; the Fisher House Foundation, Inc., 111 Rockville Pike #420, Rockville, MD 20850, where 100% of donations help the military and the families; Holy Cat Whiskers, 2585 Hubbard Road, Madison, and the American Cancer Society, P.O. Box 22478, Oklahoma City, OK 73123.

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