Lois Gertrude (Aiken) Virtue

CAMBRIDGE – Lois Gertrude Aiken Virtue passed away peacefully on Tuesday, April 10, 2018 at her home. Born May 19, 1918 on the family homestead in South Cambridge, NY, she was the youngest child of the late Ensign Stover Aiken (Akin) and Gertrude L. Cornell Aiken.  Lois attended the District School until sixth grade when she joined her older sisters commuting to Greenwich on the Greenwich & Johnsonville train each day. She graduated from Greenwich High School in 1934 at age 16 with high honors in business.  Lois received her certificate and pin as a Trained Baby Nurse from the Troy Orphan Asylum Baby House in January, 1938.  She enjoyed caring for several babies in Forest Hills, L.I. and Brooklyn, N.Y. before her marriage to Paul Peter Virtue in July, 1940.  She was co-founder of Virtue’s Trailer Sales in 1955 and became sole owner in 1963.   Lois remained interested and assisted when her son Paul began his business as Virtue Homes in 1985.  She was Tax Collector for Cambridge School District from 1979 – 1987.  As a child she attended Sunday School and Church at the South Cambridge U. M. Church, joining the church as a teenager.  In 1945 Lois joined the Embury United Methodist Church in Cambridge, becoming a member of United Methodist Women.  For many years she served as the Treasurer of Current Expenses and Benevolences for her church.  Lois was an avid reader and seldom missed doing the daily newspaper crossword puzzle.  She was an accomplished Scrabble player always up for a competitive game.  She enjoyed crocheting and made many beautiful afghans.  Besides her parents, Lois was predeceased by her brother, Kenneth (1987), and sisters, Mary (1986) and Margaret (1994).  Her youngest son, John Wesley Virtue, passed away in March, 2007.  Her daughter-in-law, Priscilla, passed away in January, 2010.  Lois is survived by sons, Paul E. Virtue, Sr., George F. Virtue (Ruth Ann), and daughters Rosemarie Manney (David), Lois Ann Boice (Charles), Dorothy M. Moon, and daughter-in-law, Carol L. Virtue.  She is also survived by nephews Gerald (Cathy) Aiken and Kenneth (Terry) Aiken, many grandchildren, great grandchildren, and great-great grandchildren.  The family wishes to thank Dr. Barney Rubenstein and Hospice for their care, allowing her to achieve her wish to stay in her home until her passing. 

Memorial donations may be made to the Cambridge Rescue Squad, 37 Gilbert St., Cambridge, NY  12816 or charity of one’s choice.

A calling hour will be Saturday, April 14, 2018 from 11:00 am to 12:00 pm at the Ackley, Ross & Gariepy Funeral Home, 73 West Main St., Cambridge.  A funeral service will begin at 12:00 pm with Rev. David Manney officiating.

Interment will be at Woodlands Cemetery in Cambridge.

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