Virginia Scalzone

Virginia “Big Mom” Scalzone was born August 27, 1919 in Philadelphia, PA to Italian immigrants. She was the oldest of nine kids and went to work to help support the family when she was 14 during the years of the Great Depression. With the start of WW II, Virginia worked at the Philadelphia Navy Yard building airplanes – Virginia was a “Rosie the Riveter”! It was there that she met Tony, her husband of 57 years. Together they had four boys: Tee (Virginia), Paul & Carla (Maine), Tim & Joan (New Mexico), and Ken & Edna (Dillon). Her children were the love of her life and she told everyone about them and how wonderful they are – (all true!) Virginia loved to care for her family – cooking great meals and making sure everyone had enough to eat. She loved being Italian, loved to cook, eat, serve, work, take Sunday drives, sing, & laugh; her ability to laugh and make light of most situations are what made her a friend to so many. She had an incredibly positive attitude and always looked on the bright side of life. She lived in South Philly, where her first three children were born, until 1955 after which the family moved to Levittown, PA. Her last child was born there & they lived in Levittown until 1968 when they moved to the Washington DC suburbs of Wheaton, Maryland. Virginia resided there until moving in March 2011, just over six years ago, to Dillon, MT where she lived at the Renaissance Assisted Living on Center Street. Dillon, MT soon became home for Virginia and she loved her neighborhood. Most people that met Virginia remembered her strong voice & infectious laughter – many described her as colorful. Virginia was only 4 feet 11 inches tall at full height but she was well over 6 feet in spirit and energy. She left most with fond memories for over 97 years. Virginia believed in God and was sure she was going to heaven. She praised the Lord regularly for all his creations from the mountains of Montana to her favorite fruit – strawberries! She loved all kinds of fruits and vegetables, ice cream, spaghetti & meatballs, and candy. She also said she loved people. Some of Virginia’s favorite sayings: • If you live long enough you’re going to get old. • Why is it that candy is so &%$# good? • You can see better when your eyes are open. • You can’t see this from the road (while we were driving). • God bless God. Virginia was a great mom, grand-mom, and friend to many; she loved her kids and grandkids above all else. She will be missed by all of us. Thanks go out to all the caregivers at SWMT Community Health, Barrett Hospital, Hospice/Home Health, and especially to everyone at the Renaissance Assisted Living on Center Street! Also, thanks to the Dillon community volunteers that visit and do services for the folks at the assisted living homes. No services will be held locally and in lieu of flowers please donate to your favorite charity.