Virginia Stewart

November 18, 1927 - July 28, 2019

11/18/1927 - 07/28/2019

Virginia Stewart, 91 passed away at her home surrounded by her children on Sunday, July 28, 2019.

She was born November 18, 1927 in Bellaire, Ohio the youngest child Mary and Eliodoro “Armidore” Liberatore.

Virginia was a lifetime resident of Bellaire, a graduate of Bellaire High School, she was employed as a bookkeeper and office manager for most of her adult life, most notably at Eric’s Steakhouse in Wheeling. Always a fashion maven, in 1974 she founded and opened an upscale women’s boutique, Gia’s on 32nd and Belmont Streets in Bellaire. Fashionistas from the greater Ohio Valley became loyal followers because of the unique clothing and accessories she carried. She continued to operate Gia’s until it closed in 1979.

A member of St John’s Catholic Church her entire life, she watched Mass every Sunday morning on tv, when she became too frail to attend Mass in person. She also belonged and supported the Sons of Italy Lodge 754 Bellaire for many years.

Virginia was the only one of Mary and Armidore Liberatore’s ten children to survive past the age of 65. Thus, she was the caretaker for both of her parents and many of her siblings when they became chronically ill. As a result, she developed an intense dislike for hospitals. Her last wish was to be allowed to die at home.

Virginia was preceded in death by her husband of 45 years, Robert E. “Bob” Stewart and her nephew, James “Jimmy” Howell, whom she helped raise from birth.

She is survived by her three children, Roberta Stewart of  New Orleans, Cara Beth Stewart and Bob Stewart both of Bellaire, four grandchildren, Alexandra Kurucz, Shadoe, Samantha and Blaise Stewart and one great grandson, Dylan Kurucz. She was also especially close to her surviving nephews, Keith Liberatore of Bellaire and David Liberatore of LaVale, Maryland.

There will be no visitation at Virginia’s request.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Valley Hospice, Inc or the Bellaire Public Library by going to TMCFunding.com.

Share your thoughts and memories with Virginia’s family at www.bauknechtaltmeyer. com.

Arrangements by the Bauknecht-Altmeyer Funeral Homes & Crematory 441 37th Street Bellaire, Ohio.

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Brooke Showalter
4 years ago

I am so sorry for your loss. I worked at the library and always enjoyed talking with Virginia.

Delvon Barath
4 years ago

I will miss our visits and our talks. Will miss little Paco too. Will see you again Virginia. A very special lady who touched my life.

Corina Shaikh
4 years ago

So very sorry for your loss. What a legend of a mother. Hugs and prayers for you and your sisters during this difficult time.

Louise Shaw
4 years ago

Cara, Roberta & Bob, Virgina was one of a kind & she is one of my favorite “childhood mothers”….60 years later and I still tell fond stories and still fold my towels the way that she taught me. Virginia gave new meaning to ‘fashionista!’ She was a true trailblazer. My heart breaks for you as I know…the world becomes a much lonelier place when we lose our mothers. Losing Virginia is the end of an era in our life and times….Big hugs to you all….RIP Virginia xo

Jeanne Kigerl
4 years ago

Roberta, you have been blessed to have your mom be a part of your life this long, and I am sure your loss is great. Prayers for you and your family, and hoping warm memories bring comfort.

Nicolette (Marinelli) Severine
4 years ago

Condolances. God bless and be with the Stewart family & friends.

Janis McMasters
4 years ago

Dear Roberta, Cara Beth, and Bobby, Our childhood is filled with memories of my parents sitting around your kitchen table and the women laughing and drinking coffee. Virginia was more than our Mom’s best friend- she was the sister she could count on. And we thought of her as the aunt that knew us better than or “ aunts”! Her humor kindness and caring personality never wavered. I have thought of her often as I have aged and realized the losses she lived through. I can only hope that she is sitting at a big kitchen table with your dad,my parents, her family and all those friends that have loved her over the years. Love you all

Kelly Kelner & Vince Kelner
4 years ago

Bob, so very sorry to hear of the passing if your mom. We are never ready for the loss of a loved one. You have our sympathy & are in our thoughts & prayers.

Steve and MaryJo (Zacchini) Kurko
4 years ago

Dear Roberta, Cara and Bobby……Loved your mom when we would see each other while walking on Belleview. I always admired her for her spunk, her wit and her desire to stay healthy. I will miss her and send to your families my deepest condolences.

Terriann Bonfini
4 years ago

I am so sorry to hear of Virginia‘s passing,But have so many fond memories of her and your family from West Bellaire to Bellview Heights. I was one of the fans of Gia’s and purchased items often. Prayers for comfort.