Hello again. This is Steve Lee, Kathy's brother, on a sad day...

After a week of hopeful ups marked by increasing downs, Virgil Ipapo breathed his last breaths just before midnight on Friday, March 1st. His last hours on earth seemed relatively peaceful, and he was surrounded by his family--both Filipino and American--most of the day and evening.  Many friends made the day easier, providing food and comfort to Kathy and everyone else.  As has been the case all along, the hospital staff were extraordinary in their generosity, support, love and care of this man and his family. There will be much said about Virgil in the coming days, but it is fair to say that the love and generosity that exemplified his life were mirrored in return by the hospital, the community and his many friends, and--of course--his family.

A service celebrating Virgil's life will be held on Tuesday, March 5th at 6PM at Lee Park Baptist Church, 2505 Morgan Mill Road in Monroe.  Kathy has requested that flowers not be sent, and that anyone who wishes to commemorate Virgil do so by making a donation to HealthQuest of Union County or Hospice of Union County.  These charities were requested by Virgil.

Your outpourings of love and concern--via card, text, phone calls, and media posts--have been wondrous to behold.  Knowing how Kathy was raised, my sister Julie and I know that Kathy will have a compulsion to respond to each of those many cards, texts, calls, and media posts personally and thoughtfully in a timely manner.  We dare not suggest she be anything other than personal and thoughtful, but we have boldly urged her to take her time.  To one extent or another, we are all grieving, and grief exacts its own toll in its own time and in its own unique way with each person touched by Virgil. May we all heal in love.