Virginia Tosh Congdon's Obituary
Virginia Tosh Congdon, 14, passed away peacefully at home on Monday, February 3rd in the arms of her mother and father. The weather was unseasonably pleasant, with the windows open, sun shining and birds singing. Virginia loved the outdoors, music, her school and her family. She was the epitome of love.
Virginia was born in Nashville, TN July 30th, 2010. She was diagnosed with Aicardi syndrome at six weeks old. Virginia was severely disabled, she was blind, had daily seizures, used a wheelchair and relied on others for all her care. But despite her limitations, Virginia lived a joyful life. She adored Harris Hillman, where she began school at the age of three, often doted on by her teachers and frequently found in someone’s arms instead of her chair. Virginia was a vibrant part of her school community, known by her big hairbows and perpetual ladylike crossed legs. She was learning to communicate her needs and wants with special equipment, telling her teachers the stories and music she wanted as well as the food she preferred. Virginia never spoke a word, but she conveyed exactly how she felt though her facial expressions. She always lit up when her favorite people were around, and she never fooled any of her therapists when she feigned sleep to try and get them to leave her alone. Throughout her life, she was surrounded by loving nurses, doctors, therapists, and most importantly, the teachers and staff at Harris Hillman.
Virginia loved being outdoors. She loved windy days, she loved water, she loved the sun on her face. Her family took her camping, hiking, bike riding and swimming. Virginia had eclectic taste in music and loved to dance in her chair. Virginia was also tenacious and defied all expectations, even before birth. We are forever changed for the better because she was a part of our lives.
Virginia leaves behind her loving parents Emil and Leslie (Wallace) Congdon, siblings Alice Porter (16), Everson Boone (12), Wallace “Wally” Ehrenberg (10), and Vodin “Sonny” Emil (5), grandmothers “Honey” Mary “Ernie” Congdon and “Mimi” Susan Norton Narramore (Jerry), "Grandaddy" Richard Compton Wallace, great grandmother Sue Foriest Tosh, aunts and uncles Frederick Ehrenberg Congdon and Caitlin Stewart Congdon, Claire Compton Sheehan and Patrick Sheehan, and cousins Stewart, Olivia and Gage Congdon, Amelia and Francis Sheehan. She also leaves behind a multitude of loving extended family too great to name.
Virginia was preceded in death by her doting grandfather “Pa” Frederick Erwin Congdon, grandfather Charles “Chuck” Michael Norton, and great grandparents, Mildred Virginia Erwin Congdon, Dr. Robert Harlan Tosh, and Charles and Pauline Norton.
Virginia will have a private funeral where she will be laid to rest under three Sassafras trees in Larkspur. We invite you all to join us to celebrate Virginia February 15th at 10am at Harris Hillman. Wear something bright and beautiful to honor Virginia. All are welcome to attend.
We would like to thank the teams at Vanderbilt Childrens Hospital (Dr. Rawls and Dr. Hills), and Alive Hospice (Kellye, Karlie, Shannon) for treating us like family and taking care of Virginia, allowing us to care for her at home. Without their exemplary care, we would not have been fortunate enough to have nearly 15 years with Virginia.
We would also like to thank Make-A-Wish Middle Tennessee, The Arc Davidson County & Greater Nashville, Tuckers House, Music City Trykes, and the Decker family for the kindness and generosity that made it possible for her to enjoy many outdoor family activities.
We want to thank the communities of Harris Hillman Special Education, St. Augustine’s Episcopal Church, St. Ann’s Episcopal Church, St. Cecilia Academy, Episcopal School of Nashville, Camp Marymount, and Larkspur Conservation.
Special Thanks to Rev. Becca Stevens who was present for her birth, baptized Virginia shortly thereafter and anointed her before her death. Thank you to all the family, friends and community members who have lifted up the Congdon family in their grief.
In lieu of flowers, please consider supporting any of the organizations listed above. They have all been so generous to the Congdon family. As the Congdons are self-employed there has also been a GoFundMe - https://tinyurl.com/VirginiaCongdon - set up to offer support as they grieve the loss of their beloved Virginia.
Arrangements entrusted to Spring Hill Funeral Home and Cemetery, 5110 Gallatin Pike, Nashville, TN 37216, 615-865-1101, www.springhillfh.com.
What’s your fondest memory of Virginia?
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Share a story where Virginia's kindness touched your heart.
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