Virginia Lee Thabit

Virginia Lee Thabit died March 15 in her home after a short illness with her beloved family by her side. She was 92. Virginia was born in Toledo on Jan. 29, 1925, the fourth of six children of Edward and Edna Tanber, who emigrated to the U.S. from Lebanon in the early 1900s. She was a 1944 graduate of Scott High School. Following graduation, Virginia worked at The Community Chest – forerunner to The United Way – and much later as a bookkeeper at B&W Auto Paint. On Oct. 25, 1958 she married James Thabit. Virginia’s principal occupation was a homemaker. In that career she thrived. She and her husband raised three children: Karen, Brian and Michael. Virginia was happiest when her family was present, especially after cooking some of their favorite meals, such as stuffed squash and grape leaves. Virginia had a genuine kindness that was reflected in her warm smile, in her care and concern for others, and in her great faith. She was a curious woman who loved to ask questions. But her curiosity was sincere: She wanted to know how you were doing and what was new. Aside from her family, the center of Virginia’s world was St. Elias Antiochian Orthodox Christian Church, of which she was a lifelong member. Aside from attending every Sunday with her family, she was a former president of the Ladies Society and for many years chaired the Society’s annual Holiday Bazaar as well as the twice-yearly bake sales. She was meticulous in her planning and had keen organizing skills. Virginia always searched for deals, often buying items months in advance of the bazaar if a bargain was to be had. The goal, of course, was to make money for her church. But she also loved the fellowship fostered among the women who worked by her side. Virginia was preceded in death by her parents Edward & Edna Tanber; husband James Thabit; brothers, George and Edward, Jr. Tanber; and sisters, Delores Najarian and Jeanette Saliba, sisters in law Betty and Catherine Thabit. Surviving are sons, Brian [Bernadette] and Michael Thabit; daughter, Karen [Scott] Lawrence; grandchildren, Brooke [Andy], Brandon and Bailey Thabit; and Zachary and Valerie Lawrence; and great-grandchildren, Emma Daugherty and Luna Dawes, sister, Shirley DeVictor; brother in law George Thabit, and numerous nieces and nephews. Visitation will be Sunday, March 19 from 3-8 p.m. at St. Elias Church, 4940 Harroun Rd., Sylvania., where a Trisagion service will be at 7. Visitation also will be at 10 a.m. Monday, March 20, at St. Elias where funeral services will be at 11 a.m. with V. Rev. Archpriest Ayman Kfouf officiating. Burial will be at Toledo Memorial Park. The family asks that contributions be to the St. Elias Endowment Fund. Special thanks to John Lauth for your love, help, and friendship you showed her she loved you; and Terry, Bambi and Jean of Great Lakes Hospice for your love and support.