Virginia Grace Johnston Kent (Spalla, VanApeldoorn)

Virginia Grace Johnston Kent (Spalla, VanApeldoorn), 93, of Albion, loving mom, grandma and great grandma died peacefully at home in the company of family and friends early Friday afternoon on Oct. 22, 2021.  

Virginia was born in Biloxi, Mississippi on March 28, 1928, one of seven children. She was a loving mother to five children of her own, taught English and fourth grade at Albion Central School for 32 years and–among many endeavors coached a baseball team, hosted international exchange students, and supported numerous worthwhile causes. Virginia was especially fond of animals and quite partial to the poor and less fortunate among us. 

Virginia loved watching CNN, Meet the Press, and especially Fareed Zakaria. She had an intense interest in sports as well. 

She was predeceased in death by her parents; sisters: Mary Margaret Johnston Gicewicz and Camille Johnston Manella; brothers: Noel Johnston and Albert Sidney Johnston III; husband: Francis J. Kent; and children: Melanie Anne Kent and Keith Alan Kent. 

She is survived by her children: Gary (Grace) Kent, Kevin (late Joanne) Kent, Celia (late Charles) Kiewit; daughter-in-law. Lisa Kent; brother, Billy (Brenda) Johnston; sister, Shirley Crohan:  grandchildren: Scott, Jeff, Cheryl, Brian, Jessica, Erin, Kayla, Aaron; great-grandchildren; beloved watchdog; Belgian Shepherd, “Raven”; many nieces, nephews, and cousins, as well as several cats. 

The family will receive friends at Christopher Mitchell Funeral Homes, Inc., 21 West Ave., Albion, NY 14411 on Thu., Oct. 28 from 4-6 p.m. Virginia’s funeral service will be held at the funeral home on Fri., Oct. 29, at 9 a.m. Interment will follow in St. Joseph’s Cemetery. 

In lieu of flowers, the family believes that Virginia would wish any donations made in her name be contributed to a legitimate 501c-3/charity of one’s choosing. 

To share a special memory of Virginia, please visit: www.mitchellfamilyfuneralhomes.com