Nancy Virga

Nancy Virga of Fort Lauderdale, FL died in her home, surrounded by her family on May 31, 2016. She had been blessed – and blessed us - with 102 years on this earth. Nancy is survived by her son and daughter-in-law Virgil and Earleen Virga and her daughter-in-law Victoria Virga; her eight grandchildren; and her seven great-grandchildren. She is preceded in death by her husband, Anthony Virga of Fort Lauderdale, FL and her son, Victor Virga of Fort Lauderdale, FL. At the time of his passing in 2001, Anthony and Nancy had been married for 58 years. Nancy was born on March 26, 1914 in Bronx, NY to Antoinette and Giuseppe Tedesco. She had three sisters and one brother. Nancy did not have an easy upbringing. Her mother died when she was three and she spent her formative years growing up in the Great Depression. She not only survived, but ultimately flourished – proof of her indomitable character that would be on display often in her 102 years. She moved to Miami, Florida in 1940 and worked in a barbershop on Miami Beach owned by Anthony Virga. A romance ensued between the two and in 1943, the couple married. They had their first son, Virgil in 1945 and then their son Victor was born in 1947. Shortly after Virgil was born, Anthony was called away to serve in the Army during World War II. In his absence, Nancy, with an incredible amount of determination and sacrifice, held the family together while successfully running the business. Upon Anthony’s return, the enterprising pair bought a piece of property and built a small home and eventually added a storefront on 2nd Avenue in Miami Shores, FL. From there, they launched and operated a number of successful ventures including a landscape and garden business, a moving company and a cabinet making company. Over the years, they also purchased and developed a number of other small real estate projects for business and personal use from Pompano, FL to Big Pine Key, FL. The landscaping and garden business spun off a flower shop called Anthony’s Florist, which established itself as a South Florida landmark for over five decades with multiple locations in Dade and Broward counties. In all their businesses, Nancy played a pivotal strategic role and was active in the daily operations of their companies, handling all the bookkeeping and accounting functions. Nancy and Anthony were true partners in all aspects of life. Nancy was ahead of her time as an unapologetically strong, savvy and confident businesswoman, but she didn’t wear it on her sleeve, or do it to prove a point. She used the talents she was blessed with to survive truly tough times and then ultimately to lead a successful life and take care of her loved ones. Her incredible strength and resolve was only matched by her caring nature, warm heart and deep devotion to her family. In 1969, Nancy became a grandmother for the first time. From then on, she would be famously known as “Grandma,” a name and role she embraced with enthusiasm. Grandma loved entertaining friends and family in her home and showered them all with unending amounts of kisses and food. Nancy passed away peacefully in her home after a short illness. She will be remembered as an accomplished businesswoman, a devoted wife, loving mother, grandmother and great-grandmother. A Mass of Christian Burial is scheduled for Friday, June 3rd at 10:00 AM at Saint Coleman Church in Pompano, FL. Father Jerry will officiate the ceremony. All are welcome to attend and celebrate Nancy’s life. Flowers and condolences can be sent to T.M. Ralph Plantation Funeral Home.