Virginia Trimboli Bolash

Virginia "Jennie" Trimboli Bolash

May 8, 1921 - July 10, 2017

Raleigh, NC

Virginia "Jennie" Trimboli Bolash, 96, passed away peacefully with her family by her side at The Hospice Home in Raleigh, NC on Monday, July 10, 2017. Visitation will be at 11:00 am on Tuesday , July 18, at Melton Mortuary, 1200 Harper Road, Beckley, WV, followed by a Celebration of Life service in the chapel at noon, officiated by Rev. Eric Bolash, Jennie's grandson. Burial will follow at Sunset Memorial Park, 1915 Harper Road. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorial gifts be made to VA Volunteer Service, 200 Veterans Av., Beckley, WV 25801 or www.beckley.va.gov. or to a charity of one's choice.

Born in Eccles, WV, Jennie was the daughter of Domenic and Josephine Trimboli, Italian immigrants. She graduated from Trap Hill High School in 1939 and married Frank Bolash in 1942. Frank and Jennie moved to Beckley in 1953, remaining there and raising their two children, Larry and Judy. In 1963 Jennie began her life's career as a volunteer, completing over 40,000 hours in more than 44 years at the Beckley, WV Veterans Administration Medical Center where she was known and loved for her great attitude and sweet spirit. All this she did with the help of many friends, as she never learned to drive. Among the many honors she received was the VA Secretary's Voluntary Service Award for outstanding service to veterans, the VA's highest voluntary service award. She was also an active member of the Beckley United Methodist Temple, the American Legion Auxiliary, the American Red Cross, the VA Volunteers Advisory Committee and the VA Volunteers Hall of Fame. Known by all as "The Popcorn Lady," she spread joy and was a top-notch fundraiser for the VA Volunteer Services. When asked about her hobbies, she always replied, "Volunteering is my hobby."

In 2007 Jennie moved to Raleigh, NC to be near her children and enjoy her grand and great grandchildren. In her nearly 10 years there she found a host of new friends who resided with her at The Gardens at Wakefield, the senior independent living complex she called home.

In addition to her parents and her husband, Jennie was preceded in death by a daughter, Judy Nichols, and siblings Francis Slaughter, John and Michel Trimboli and Charles and Sam Cangemi. She is survived by a brother, James Trimboli; a son, Larry Bolash (Louise); two grandsons: Eric (Robin) and Rodney; and four great grandchildren: Mila, Risa, Domenic and Joseph.

"Peace I leave with you. My peace I give to you; not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid." John14:27

Online condolences: www.meltonmortuary.com