Virginia Scardigli Obituary

Virginia Caldwell Scardigli Died peacefully in her Palo Alto home on July 9, 2007. Born in 1912 in Kansas City, MO, Virginia chose to lead a progressive life focused on education and the arts. In 1933 she graduated from UC Berkeley with a degree in Anthropology, then moved to Pacific Grove, married a sculptor and became part of a famed art and literary crowd which included John Steinbeck and Ed Ricketts. During WWII, she moved to San Francisco, working for the Office of War Information, where, as a part of her duties, she relayed information to the world from the first U.N. conference. Later on during the war, Virginia assisted in the relocation of many Japanese students from internment camps into colleges. At age 42, Virginia decided to become an English teacher, teaching at Armijo High School in Fairfield and later, Gunn High School in Palo Alto. After retirement, Virginia spent her time traveling the world, volunteering many thousands of hours at Recording for the Blind and Dyslexic and speaking at conferences about her Cannery Row experiences in the 1930's. Virginia leaves behind her son David Scardigli and her granddaughter Leslie Parker. The family would like to thank her caregiver, Angela, who gave her such loving care until the end. A Celebration of Virginia's Life will take place Saturday, July 28, at 1 pm at the Left Bank Restaurant, 635 Santa Cruz Ave., Menlo Park. Memorial contributions can be made to the Recording for the Blind and Dyslexic in Palo Alto.

Published by San Francisco Chronicle on Jul. 25, 2007.
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3 Entries

Always enjoyed her spunk and enthusiasm . She had so much to share with others. Will long remember the hours we spent in her home in the last few years.

Barbara Tom

August 1, 2007

Virginia is a friend never to be forgotten, a great lady! In the early days I used to share a room with her at the Asilomar Conference. I also registered for her section on Steinbeck that took us to Doc's lab and to his favorite haunts in the area. Her teaching enriched my life.

Alpha Quincy

July 28, 2007

I'll never forget the Steinbeck Festivals we attended in Salinas and our visits to Doc's Lab. Her experiences during the '30s added so much insight to the life and times of John Steinbeck. We'll be forever grateful for the opportunity of knowing her.

Art Ring

July 26, 2007

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