Virginia C. Dingman – July 6, 2021

Virginia C. Dingman Obituary

Virginia C. Dingman was born on 8 Feb 1931 in Portland, Oregon to parents Attilio Galligani & Natalina Federighi.  She was born within a family of two brothers, who died at an early age, and her older sister, Evalina. 

Virginia graduated from Gresham High school on the eastside of the Portland.  She was served as an usherette & tumbler, and within the driver’s education club.

The early death of her parents and two brothers led to a lifelong bond with her sister and four nieces which gave her great comfort throughout her life.

Virginia and her future husband met at a rollerskating rink and later married Robert (Bob) W. Dingman in 1951, and the two lived 59 years together prior to Bob’s passing in 2009.  She served as a military homemaker traveling approximately every three years. They raised three children, Michael, Ronald & Catherine.  Their spiritual preference was Catholic.

Virginia was very proud of her parents and always spoke highly of them.  Her father passed away when her oldest child, Mike, was six months old.  She often spoke of the moment when Mike sat on her daddy’s lap while he twitched his toes of the child. 

Being within a military family, they often traveled oversees and domestically.  The U.S. tours included Iowa, when Mike & Ron, their second oldest child, were born, Nebraska, Texas, Mississippi and Colorado.  The foreign countries included Labrador, where their youngest child was born, and two tours at RAF Chicksands, England. 

The first English tour included living within an old manor in Ashwell, England.  Later they moved to Henlow, England on their second tour.  Living with the British was cultural, enjoyable, and many British friendships were established.

Living in England was exciting for the whole family.  For Virginia, driving on the left side of the road with a left hand steering column was challenge at first but she became well experienced.  Touring the country & castles, making numerous brass rubbings were just a few of the things she enjoyed.  Returning home to the USA, the family enjoyed traveling for a week on the Queen Elizabeth II, a passenger ship traveling from England to America.

At times, Virginia, served as the only parent as Bob often served remotely.  The family followed to the next assignment with Virginia managing the packing & traveling to reunite the family.

Virginia & Bob enjoyed apricot poodles and their always one or two beloved pets included in the family.

The last stateside base was Peterson AFB in to Colorado Springs, Colorado.  Here they experienced “after military life” & all of their retirement years.  This included her working outside of the home at Peterson AFB, Fort Carson & the Broadmoor.  At the Broadmoor, they both enjoyed employment, as well as, the amenities offered there.

Virginia enjoyed her social life also, where, she & Bob were greatly appreciative of the Supper club that they belonged to.  In addition, she participated in the Holy Apostles Catholic Church Goldenagers Club.  She was a lifelong member of Beta Sigma Phi and she was a devout Catholic all her life.

Even though she was nervous flying, it didn’t stop her from traveling to Hawaii and spending time with her nieces.  She enjoyed these trips greatly.

During her 50s, she took up oil painting.  She developed her art beautifully and many of her paintings are very realistic.

She loved visiting her grandchildren and participating in their special events. 

Virginia survived her husband after his death for twelve years.  On 6 July 2021, she succumbed to her failing health.  Today, she now rests in God’s loving arms.

The family is survived by three children, Michael (Ella), Ronald (Debbie) and Catherine (Wayne), seven grandchildren, and seven great grandchildren.

Friends are invited to come during her viewing which will be held on Thursday, 15 July 2021 at 2pm at the Shrine of Rememberance Funeral Home, 1730 E. Fountain, Colorado Springs, Co 80910. Her service will begin at 3pm at the same location.

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