Virginia Mary Ertle 1942-2023

Virginia Mary Ertle, nee Gleason, age 81, of Hinsdale, Illinois, beloved wife of Dr. James O. Ertle, passed away in her home on July 18, 2023.

Virginia was born on July 12, 1942, in Chicago, Illinois. She is survived by her husband of 58 years, Dr. James O. Ertle, her son, James O. Ertle, Jr, her daughter, Elise Ann Quealy (Brendan Quealy), her brother Dennis Gleason (Annie), her sister Mary Andrews (Bruce Andews), her grandchildren Ben Ertle, Brendan Quealy, Tess Quealy, Amanda Quealy, and James Quealy, and many nieces and nephews. She is preceded in death by her father, Wilbur Gleason, her mother, Mary Gleason, and her brothers, Stephen Gleason and Jim Gleason.

Virginia graduated from the Academy of Our Lady high school in Beverly, Illinois, and obtained her R.N. degree from Holy Cross Nursing School in South Bend, Indiana. After raising two children, she returned to school and obtained her Bachelor of Arts degree from the University of St. Francis in Joliet, Illinois, and later her law degree from the John Marshall Law School in Chicago, Illinois.

Virginia was actively involved in her local community and beyond. She spent many hours providing well-baby checks for mothers residing at Rockwell Gardens housing project on the west side of Chicago, providing care to children residing in orphanages in the countryside of Haiti on many occasions, and serving on the board of directors and was actively involved in the women's auxiliary of Hinsdale Hospital. With her husband, she traveled the world. Virginia visited every corner of the world, including 96 countries and all seven continents. She was also an avid music lover who enjoyed the Lyric Opera of Chicago and the Chicago Symphony Orchestra as well as taking in a Broadway show in Chicago, New York, and London. She was a lifelong devout and faithful member of the Roman Catholic church. She never missed a Sunday mass and was frequently at daily mass. Her faith was at the core of who Virginia was and was a strong influence on how she lived her life and the importance she placed on helping those who were less fortunate than her. Her heartbroken family and friends will seek comfort in the memories of their beautiful wife, mother, grandmother, aunt, and friend.

In lieu of flowers, Virginia wished for gifts to be made to Saint Sabina Catholic Church, 1210 W. 78th Place, Chicago, Illinois, 60620. 

Posted on August 7, 2023 by Celeste Antoinette Niemann
Filed under: 
Topic: 

Login to post comments