On Feb. 11, 2007, Dr. Virginia Terlinden Gilbert placed her hands in the Angels’, they gently lead her through the clouds to heaven to join her husband, Douglas, her brother, John Terlinden, her mother and father, Viola and Edward Terlinden.

She was born in Campbellsport, Wisc., on Nov. 22, 1922. She was a mentor loyal to a lifetime of and multitude of friends. She was not a materialistic person. She was always a giver of love and understanding. Virginia was a math teacher the majority of her life in the Clark County School District as well UNLV. Virginia also trained a large amount of the teachers on how to teach math and make math exciting and fun.

She was one of the original 36 Curtis Wright Aeronautical Engineers of women. This was a true accomplishment for women during World War II in the field for generations of women to follow. She received her bachelor’s degree from the University of Wisconsin Oshkosh, her master’s degree from Stanford University in California; and her PH.D. from the University of Arizona, Tempe.

She loved to travel the world after her retirement, even rode an elephant in Thailand in November of 1996.

On January of 1997 she suffered a massive stroke, leaving her totally paralyzed on her left side. From her wheelchair she fought back valiantly with a smile and spirit no one could deny. Pride and dignity were her nature. She lived on Whidbey Island for several years, at Penn Cove and later at Careage in Coupeville.

Virginia leaves behind her son, Lt. Wm. D. Gilbert, Ret. Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department, and his wife Sandy; Margaret Terlinden, her sister-in-law; her God-daughter, Carol Ferber; God-son, Dan Del Ponte; numerous grandchildren, great grandchildren and great great grandchildren; and a multitude of family members and friends.

She requested no services. In lieu of, please make a donation to a math program of your choice, to further the enhancement of future generations.

A memorial service will be held in Campbellsport, Wisc., at a later date.