Mary Virginia (Schmidt) Van Camp

Mary Virginia Van Camp (nee Schmidt)  Born August 29, 1921. Died December 20, 2020.

Wednesday December 30, 10am funeral mass at Christ the King Church.  "Visitation" from 9:15am, also at the church. Capacity is very limited under present health restrictions. The funeral mass may be viewed via livestream at https://www.facebook.com/christthekingcolumbus/

Virginia possessed a remarkably optimistic, friendly outlook on life, and was enthusiastic about a wide range of interests. She was the only daughter of Harry E. Schmidt and Anna O. Hoeffler Schmidt  in a big family full of lively and competitive activities. With five older brothers and one younger brother, Virginia learned to "stand her ground" and make her voice heard.  Her Catholic faith was both her fuel and her anchor. She attended Kindergarten and 16 years of school at St. Mary of the Springs which was her "second home". In 1943, she graduated from that college with a degree in teaching. She loved being with family, friends and all acquaintances.

Virginia married her high school sweetheart, Melvin A. Van Camp of Petosky, Michigan in September, 1945. They rounded out their family with their two sons and three daughters.

Virginia taught 7th grade English and language arts at St. Timothy school for over 25 years. In 1971, she was suddenly widowed when her husband suffered a massive heart attack. Virginia and Melvin had a strong, affectionate relationship, and she mourned him deeply. One week after the funeral, though, she returned to the classroom, to the work she loved. 

Virginia’s other passions included theater (both performing and attending plays and directing  students in school plays),literature, gardening, duplicate bridge, and volunteering for charitable organizations. She worked in adult literacy as an “English as a Second Language” tutor at the Dominican Learning Center housed at the former St. Thomas the Apostle School. Virginia was  deeply committed to her work with the St. Thomas chapter of B.R.E.A.D., a social justice network. She was joyful to be able to serve as Eucharistic Minister and lector while a parishioner at St. Thomas Church. In 2014, Virginia was awarded the “Erskine Tower Award” for “Leadership and Dedication” by the St. Mary of the Springs Academy Alumni Association.

Virginia was a HUGE fan of Ohio State University football and for decades knew all the players by name. She loved traveling ... especially to visit her children and grandchildren all over the United States. At age 82, Virginia traveled to Kenya, Africa while her daughter, Rita, was working and living there. Virginia recently stated that she "never met a person who wasn't nice." Her strength, faith, kindness, and love for life have been powerful influences on all who knew her. Remembering that she was somewhat of a “lead foot” behind the wheel, Virginia’s loved ones agree that she now surely is “speeding quickly” to complete her journey to the fullness of Eternal Life.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to St. Thomas the Apostle chapter of B.R.E.A.D. justice ministry, 767 N. Cassady Ave, Columbus, or to Christ the King Church, 2777 E. Livingston Ave, Columbus.

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