Virginia A. Hiltunen

Virginia Anastasia Talarico Hiltunen passed away at the age of 81 on Saturday, December 18, 2021 surrounded by family.  She was born on April 17, 1940 to the late Tommaso and Bertha Talarico. Our dear “Meme” loved her family and cherished her grandchildren and great grandchildren. She was a gourmet Italian cook, delighted in entertaining and creating epicurean delights for her large extended family. In particular, we will miss her jams, apple butter, cannoli, lasagne, Texas sheet cake, and hot sauce, all of which would certainly beat Bobby Flay (another favorite of hers). Heaven will certainly be a much sweeter place. Her passions included the Chicago Cubs, Elvis, Coney Island hot dogs, chocolate malts, Coca-Cola, bowling, QVC, her Oscar de la Renta perfume, watching Victor in her favorite daytime soap opera, Harry Potter, The Godfather, and the Food Network. Her life was enriched by the reunion with her son, Joe, and her life in heaven will be joyous as she joins the love of her life, Charlie and son, Brian. In addition to her parents, she is preceded in death by her husband of 51 years, Charles T. Hiltunen, Jr. her son Brian D. Hiltunen (Dena Rae Hancock, living), her brother, Anthony Talarico, and brothers-in-law Robert Hiltunen(Gloria), Richard Hiltunen(Ruth)and Steve Schultheis. She is survived by her children Charles T. Hiltunen, III (Nancy), Laurie Wissel (Dave) and Joseph Humpfer, 18 grandchildren,11 great grandchildren, siblings Lucia Schultheis, Thomas (Loni) Talarico, Teresa Geyer, Peter (Vecchi) Talarico, Annita Papenbrock, Phillip (Gina) Talarico, and brother-in-law Clark (Marie) Hiltunen. In honor of Virginia, hold your loved ones very close. Dance, sing, cook, and celebrate every day!

Memorial contributions can be made to Community Harvest Food Bank(communityharvest.org <http://communityharvest.org/>). Out of love and respect for the health and safety of our community and family, we ask those who attend her calling and funeral to please wear a mask and practice social distancing. For those unable to attend the funeral, there will be a livestream option at <https://youtu.be/MkK5sbsZzwU>. A mass of Christian burial will be on Tuesday, December 28, 2021 at 11:00 A.M. at Peter’s Catholic Church 518 E. Dewald St., Fort Wayne, IN 46803, with visitation one hour prior. Visitation will also be held from 4:00 P.M. to 8:00 P.M. on Monday, December 27, 2021 at Divine Mercy Funeral Home, 3500 Lake Ave. Fort Wayne, IN 46805.