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Richmond Times Dispatch June 21, 1989 B2
VIRDEN
Susan Francisco Virden, 39, of Richmond, widow of James Michael Virden, died Monday, June 19, 1989, in a local hospital. She is survived by two sons, Adam Taylor Virden and Tyler Michael Virden; her parents, Mr. and Mrs. Oswald C. Francisco; one brother, David C. Francisco of Washington, N.C.; one sister, Anne F. Blackwell of Des Moines, Iowa; a niece and a nephew, Erin and Christopher Francisco of Washington, N.C. The family will receive friends at the Parham Chapel, Woody Funeral Home, 1771 Parham Rd., one hour prior to a memorial service to be conducted at 11:00 am on Thursday. In lieu of flowers, memorial gifts may be made to the American Cancer Society.
Metro listing: Mrs. Susan F. Virden, 39, of Richmond, an assistant business professor at the University of Richmond, widow of James Michael Virden.
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Bruce Miller
Sue died after a long and heroic battle with cancer. Her husband, Mike Verden (I may be getting his name wrong), preceded her in death by a year or two. He died of a heart attack on the tennis court, leaving Sue devastated. Both Sue and Mike were tennis fanatics. They had two sons who went to live with Sue's younger sister following Sue's death.Sue was a good and constant friend, but it's been a long time. I'll try to find more information.
Bruce Miller
Bill Irvin
Nan Pfeiffer Walden did some super-sleuthing and found Sue's obituary in the Library of Congress. Thanks, Nan.Nancy Pfeiffer (Walden)
Thanks to Sue's mother, who is still living in the Richmond area, I was able to get a little more information regarding her life:After graduating from VCU, Sue worked at Rider College in New Jersey, and while there she made two appearances on the game show Jeopardy (that previous experience on the Huguenot HS Bowl Team was put to good work!). She later moved on to Essex College in Towson, Maryland, and once she married her husband Mike (also a professor there), she obtained a position at Towson University. Soon after her husband's sudden death, she moved back to Richmond with her two boys to be near family.
Sue took a teaching position at the University of Richmond, and was soon diagnosed with cancer, fighting the battle for about 13 months. Her sister Anne and her husband raised the boys with their family, and Sue now has 3 year old twin grandsons named Michael and Dylan, by her son Adam and his wife. That razor sharp wit and humor carries on into yet another generation!
Faye Gooden (Siegert)
All these years later, thank you to Bruce & Nancy for this info about Sue Francisco. Yes, her wit & humor; and she was always so great to be around! She was special; I am so very sorry & I wish she had lived so many more years. Faye Gooden (Siegert)