Virginia Dittrich

Tuesday, November 20, 2007 2:03 AM MST

CASPER -- Mass celebrating the life of Virginia Manono Dittrich, 65, will be celebrated at 10 a.m. Friday, Nov. 23, 2007, at St. Anthony's Catholic Church with Fr. Kevin Koch as celebrant.

She died at home Nov. 15, 2007.

She was born Jan. 24, 1942, in her parents' car during war time in Honolulu, Hawaii. Through her life, she made homes in California, Colorado, Alabama, Florida and Wyoming. She enjoyed the West and loved the sea.

Her lifelong love of animals began as a young girl with her first cats. In the spirit of St. Francis of Assisi, she provided homes for countless lost, injured and homeless cats and dogs. She always found room for another new little friend.

She also loved music. She was an award-winning trombone player in high school and played the dulcimer. She regularly attended the annual bluegrass festival at Beartrap Meadow; saw the Rolling Stones in Detroit and The Ramones in Boulder.

Her gift was mercy. She opened her heart to strangers in need, and made fast friends. Her own trials in life equipped her to minister to others.

She leaves behind her cat, Lillian; her daughter, Theresa and her husband of Casper; her son, Kevin and his wife of Littleton, Colo., and her four precious grandchildren; her mother, Nita and sister, Jean.

Memorials to the Casper Humane Society, 849 East E Street Casper, 82601 would be greatly appreciated by the family.

Newcomer Family Funeral Home will be in charge of arrangements.