Virginia Gutowsky

Virginia Gutowsky, age 84, passed away peacefully in May at ClarkLindsey in Champaign, Illinois. She lived a life defined by music, generosity, and an unwavering devotion to those she loved.

Virginia grew up in Florida with siblings Guy and Sue. She would often tell of the many wonderful experiences with them. Guy would say “do you want to go on an adventure?” And off they would go, as Virginia would say, to go make some “good trouble.”

Virginia was a devoted wife to Herbert Gutowsky. In their wedding vows, they changed the words “Til death do us part” to “For Eternity” because they knew their love would always live on.

A wonderful teacher, Virginia, brought the same warmth and passion to her students that she carried into every room she entered. Her friends and family knew her as someone who was compassionate, witty, and deeply intelligent, with a talent for making others feel seen and valued.

Her gifts as a musician and vocalist began to flourish at an early age. Virginia sang in several choirs including at the McKinly Foundation and the University of Illinois.

She held a deep love for animals, a passion for religious studies, and an endless curiosity about the world around her. Above all else, what mattered most to Virginia was her friends and family. She was a woman who always put the needs of others before her own, offering her time, her talents, and her fierce, loving spirit without hesitation.

While we will greatly miss Virginia’s loving, feisty spirit, we will always remember her songbird voice, her love for family, and her vivid stories of love and adventure.

Please join Virginia’s family in sharing memories, photos and videos on her tribute wall at www.sunsetfuneralhome.com.

Virginia is interred next to her husband Herbert Gutowsky at the Mt. Hope Cemetery Mausoleum at 611 E Pennsylvania Ave in Champaign, Illinois.

Arrangements have been made at Sunset Funeral Home and Cremation Center’s Champaign Chapel 710 N. Neil St. Champaign, IL. 61820.