Virginia Hosford Lambertson, BHS '48 (1930-2023)

 

Virginia Mary Lambertson (Hosford)

September 13, 1930 - April 18, 2023

Brentwood, CA

Virginia Lambertson passed away peacefully on April 18, 2023, in Brentwood, California, following a brief illness. Born in Pasadena, California, Virginia was the daughter of Leila and Donald Hosford of Burbank. As a young girl affectionately called Tiny, she and her big brother, along with her parents, resided seasonally at Meeks Bay located on the west shore of Lake Tahoe. Her father, having lost his radio shop to the depression, would help out at the resort wherever he could. When Virginia was 8 years old, her Daddy asked her to put her boots on (it was snowing) and come with him for a walk. They walked to the end of the pier and he asked her to look very carefully at the lake because he was giving it to her for her birthday. From that day on, Virginia had an endearing love for Lake Tahoe and visited often. The last trip she took was with her adult children at her Lake in 2021 and she enjoyed it immensely.

Virginia graduated from Burbank High School and started attending junior college when shortly thereafter she met the love of her life, Milton Lambertson, at a church dance. The story they told was it was love at first sight! They were married on August 17, 1951 and led a very busy life raising six kids over the next 30 years in Northern California (Stockton and Concord). While her children were still young, Virginia did alterations for Lady J in Stockton. When all of her children were attending school, she worked as a teacher's aide at Westwood Elementary in Concord. She loved working with the kids and continued until the late 80’s.

Virginia was very inclusive and would often adopt an individual or family that needed extra TLC. After Milton's death in 2011 from Parkinson's, Virginia remained active spending time with family and friends. She loved watching baseball, basketball, Nascar and horse racing. She organized and ran a Red Hat group in Somerset (Brentwood) for many years, devoting their purpose to helping those in need. Virginia started sewing at a very young age and she loved making clothes for herself and all six of her children. She also loved baking, cooking and crafts. After her children were raised and gone, Virginia and Milton loved to travel the world. Some of her favorite travels were to Malta, China, Alaska, Hawaii, and of course, Lake Tahoe.

Virginia is survived by her six children and their spouses, Daniel Lambertson (Lisa), David Lambertson (Paulette), Laurie Ratterree (Terry), Patti Hernandez (Maurice), Judy Schmalenbach (Herb), Donald Lambertson (Gaye), 17 grandchildren, 20 great-grandchildren, her older brother Donald Robert Hosford (whom she lovingly referred to as “Brother”), twin brothers William (Bill) and Robert (Bob) Hosford and sister-in-laws, Dawn Hosford and Florence Lambertson. Her maternal relatives to this day know her as Gingey. A book was found shortly after her death with an inscription that says it all, "For Virginia: who truly lives a life of love, and makes those around her most grateful." She was loved by many and will be greatly missed.