Virginia Elena (Sciarini) Saso was born June 16, 1924 in Sunnyvale, CA to Giuseppe Stefano Sciarini and Anna Maria Carmella Matasci and graduated Fremont High School in Sunnyvale. She was preceded in death by her husband Louie and her sons Jim and Bob. Virginia was survived by her sons Steve (Patt), Mike (Heidi), Tom (Laurence) and Chris (Sue) and daughters Carolyn Copperwoman and Mary Lou (Glaine).
In the early 1940s, when women were seldom encouraged to pursue higher education, she was offered a college scholarship but turned it down to elope with 26-year-old Louie a month before her 18th birthday.
She and Louie ran several businesses, including Hayward Produce Company, River Grove Park Campgrounds and Saso Herb Gardens in Saratoga, where they offered herbal classes and wreath making as well as holding an annual Herbal Harvest Fair. Virginia touched many peoples' lives through a decades long apprentice program.
Virginia was small but mighty. She had an open heart and inspired many people in her long life. She raised 8 children, 18 grandchildren and 14 great-grandchildren.
In celebration of Virginia's life, services will be held Saturday January 30th at 2:30 p.m. at Pacific Gardens Chapel, 1050 Cayuga St., Santa Cruz. In lieu of flowers, donations in Virginia's name may be sent to Hospice of Santa Cruz County, 940 Disc Dr., Scotts Valley, CA 95066 or hospicesantacruz.org.