Obituary of Virginia G. Toanone

In Loving Memory of Virginia Gale Toanone (née Groover)
February 16, 1949 – May 26, 2025

Virginia “Ginny” Gale Toanone, beloved mother, grandmother, sister, and friend, passed away peacefully on May 26, 2025, at the age of 76. Born in 1949 in Chester, Pennsylvania, Ginny brought stunning beauty, warmth, laughter, and love into many lives.

Ginny was a woman of remarkable spirit and resilience. In the early 1970’s, she proudly broke barriers as the first female jitney driver at Boeing Vertol, blazing a trail in a field then dominated by men. She landed on the cover of the Boeing Vertol magazine in honor of her accomplishment. Circa 1979, Gin worked as a secretary for Leco Vending Company, where she met her husband Frank X. Lee III. Her adventurous nature and work ethic continued to shine throughout her life. At the age of 38, she pursued her passion for beauty, graduating from cosmetology school and building a career that allowed her creativity and love for others to flourish.

Ginny grew up as a Christian in the Methodist faith and carried a quiet but steadfast belief in God throughout her life. Her joy could be found in life’s simple pleasures—cooking for loved ones, watching her favorite soap operas, and spending cherished time with her children and grandchildren. Her knack for hair and makeup reflected her vibrant personality and creative soul. She was fun-loving, kind, and had a laugh that lit up the room. Ginny will be remembered for her strength, her creativity, and the boundless love she gave to her family.

Virginia is preceded in death by her father Earl Groover, mother Lorraine Edynak,stepfather Stephen Edynak, her sister Karen Johns, sister-in-law Cheryl Groover, nephew Kenneth Groover Jr., husband Francis X. Lee III and husband Philip Toanone.

She is survived by her children Pamela Flanagan and Francis X. Lee IV (Ashley), and her treasured grandchildren Nicholas McKenna, Anna Lee, and Evelyn Lee. She also leaves behind her brothers Earl Groover (Rose) and Allen Groover, and her sister Tammy Cramer (Dan). She is also survived by many nieces and nephews, and great nieces and nephews.

Visitation: Friday, June 6th after 10:00AM at the Minshall Shropshire-Bleyler Funeral Home, Middletown (Rte. #352) & Knowlton Rds., Middletown Twp., Media, PA 19063.

Funeral Service: Friday, June 6th at 11:00AM at the funeral home.

Interment will be private.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to: Providence Animal Shelter, 555 Sandy Bank Rd., Media, PA 19063.

Below is a link for a memorial video created by the family.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9hKc5EhOIiE