Virginia S. Nolan

93, of Santa Barbara, California passed away the morning of August 31, 2015 at her beloved Santa Barbara home in the company of her daughter Kathleen Nolan, her son Paul Nolan and her grand-daughter Jeanine Walters. Born on May 18, 1922 in Los Angeles, California to Edwin and Dorothy (Hope) Staples, she grew up there during the Great Depression in a happy and thankful home where she learned the mantra that served her well throughout her life: "Use it up - wear it out - make do or do without". Her daughter remembers: "her hands smoothed my brow when I was sick - sewed the hems of my school skirts - applauded my viola recital. They helped to build the adobe house, after her own burned to the ground in '77, and wrapped packages of household goods to send to others, after other wildfires. Those hands shaped pie crusts and peeled peaches for canning - they curved through the waves, body surfing the California beaches - they maintained trails for the Sierra Club. They turned the pages of books for beginning readers. They cradled grandchildren and great grandchildren and even great-great grand children." An activist for peace and social justice throughout her life, Virginia supported the organization of the UFW; she regularly wrote letters to the editor and to her elected officials. Even as an elder, she was there in 2012 to join in The World Takes a Breath (for Peace) Day - and again in 2013 when she walked down to East Beach to join her hands with others in the Hands across the Sands for Peace event. An avid gardener, swimmer, hiker, she loved well the California where she lived her life. Camping in the desert - rock-hunting- tide-pooling - you'd always find her somewhere there, joyful, with her loyal dog in tow. She taught swimming, and life-saving, for many years before she returned to college for her teaching credential and began her career of 47 years as an educator in earnest. A granddaughter said: "Virginia the dainty dancer -the rock in our family - the garland of flowers - the ocean breeze -Virginia" Virginia is survived by: Her daughter Kathleen Nolan; her son Paul Nolan, her grandchildren Melissa Stansberry, Jeanine Walters, Emily Stansberry and Emmett Nolan; great grandchildren Corey Walters, Sienna Walters, Franklin Stansberry, Lila Mohammed, Solly Mohammed, Thomas Nolan, Liam Nolan, and Lillie Nolan; great great granddaughter Violet Walters; and her loving nephew Dennis Nolan.She was preceded in death by: Her husband Ervin Bradley "Brad" Nolan The family held a private viewing the day of her death, 31 Aug 2015. Following her wishes, her ashes will be spread in the Pacific Ocean in a private family ceremony. A loving celebration of her death will be held in the early fall; time and date to be announced to family and friends. Memorial contributions may be sent to the American Friends Service Committee; Habitat for Humanity or the Sierra Club. Arrangements by McDermott-Crockett Mortuary.