Ilga Victorija Grinvalds passed away on Good Friday, April 10, 2020, in Morgantown.
Ilga was born on Feb. 6, 1940, in Daugavpils, Latvia, to the late Oskar and Marija Grinvalds. As a young girl, she emigrated with her mother to the United States in 1950 where she was reunited with her brother, Olgerts. Her family initially settled in Buckhannon, where she graduated from Buchannan-Upshur High School, before finally moving to Morgantown.
She graduated from West Virginia University with a degree in speech. After graduation, she began her long and impactful career at St Theresa’s Roman Catholic Church. As St. Theresa’s secretary for over 40 years, she became the continuity that kept the parish flourishing through multiple changes in staff, and eventually the consolidation and creation of St Francis de Sales. She also played a helpful role in the administration of St. Francis high school and the formation of St. Luke Catholic Church in Cheat Lake.
Ilga had a great love for music. She was St. Theresa’s first cantor after training at the National Pastoral Musicians cantor school. She was a member of the Music Commission for the Diocese of Wheeling-Charleston and was instrumental in forming and supporting the Wheeling-Charleston diocesan chapter of the NPM. Often behind the scenes, she touched so many people’s lives on a daily basis through her work and music ministry.
In addition to her parents, Ilga is preceded in death by her siblings: Legija Grinvalds, Valdimars Grinvalds, Olgerts and wife Edna; and nephew David L. James.
Ilga is survived by her niece, Valda, and Mark Kawecki, of Pittsburgh, Pa., and their children: Marleigh, Liam, and Sullivan; Milinda (wife of David James) of Morgantown, and their children: Deborah (Eric) Baker, Sarah (Greg) Woods, Mark (Katie) James and Rebekah (Jordan) James; Dreama and David Mayfield, of Carrollton, Texas, and their children, Ashleigh and David.
Ilga spoke fondly of her many friends and had a great love for her family. The family would like to especially like to thank Donna Kinsey for her friendship, love, and support of Ilga. The family would also like to thank the selfless, “front line” nurses, doctors, and staff at Sundale who worked incredible hours and gave immense compassion and support while Ilga was in their care.
Donations may be made in Ilga’s name to St Francis de Sales Music Ministry, St Francis de Sales Catholic Church, 1 Guthrie Ln, Morgantown, WV 26508 or to Senior Monongalians, 5000 Greenbag Rd. Ste A5, Morgantown, WV 26501.
In accordance with her wishes, she will be laid to rest at East Oak Grove Cemetery privately at a later date.
Condolences:
www.hastingsfuneralhome.com
