Virginia Gregersen Walton
In Loving Memory
Virginia was a great community advocate, hard-working, enthusiastic, with a good sense of humor and fun to work with. She was a community organizer before President Obama heard of such a thing; her work included going door to door, organizing meetings in homes of residents, identifying community needs and sometimes holding raucous political actions to advocate and implement new ideas.
She was part of changing the planning trajectory of Salt Lake City, inspired others, and convinced the city to spend tens of millions of dollars to improve infrastructure and services for previously overlooked folks.
The focus community organizing brought to neighborhoods was, if not the impetus, a contributing factor in changing Salt Lake City government from at-large commissioners to the Mayor-City Council form.
Besides running food banks, she served many years on the board of Crossroads Urban Center, an advocacy group as fearless as she was, representing the needs of low-income Utahns.
I'll always remember her pride in her Danish heritage, the stories she told of growing up in Monroe, Utah, and the joy she had in her family.
I will always remember Virginia's kindness and dedication to others in her job at Community Action and just in her daily life. It is who she was. She had a strong resolution to overcome life's inequalities for those struggling with poverty. Her kindness showed in her face and her actions. Her dedication and love for her family was always at the forefront of all she did. I know how dearly she will be missed by everyone but she had a significant impact on her children, grandchildren, and everyone she met so she will always live in our hearts. Special prayers for Shawna, Brenna and family.
Love to all,
MeKelle Andrezzi and
Family
We are all very grateful to Virginia for her tireless support of our Central City neighborhood especially when our neighborhood was under threat of being torn down back in the 1970s. If it was not for her, we may have lost our neighborhood and much of our housing. She was strong and determined but also loving and kind. She would not hesitate to reach out and help anyone who was in need. She was such a wonderful person and we all loved her. Our hearts go out to her children, grandchildren and her family at this time of loss. She will always be remembered.
I had the pleasure of working with Virginia through the Central City Recreation Center for a number of years. I always appreciated her dedication and concern for making our communities a better place for everyone. My warmest regards to the entire family.
This is such a sweet picture of the way I remember Virginia. We worked together for many years at SlCAP. I always enjoyed her personality and her work ethics were outstanding. I knew that if something had to get done fast and properly, Virginia was the one I called on.(even if it was not in her job description.)I know that her family will miss this great lady, but I think that your precious memories of her will last forever. My sincere condolences to her children, her grand children, and her great grand babies. May her soul rest in eternal peace. With much love and respect, Cathy