Virginia Lou Wilson Bennett

Virginia Lou (Swaney) Wilson Bennett, 99, of Fort Bragg, California, and Traverse City, Michigan, passed away peacefully on October 7, 2026 in Traverse City with her loving family at her side.

Virginia was born on March 30, 1927, in Traverse City to the late Elmer Alexander and Lillian Thelma (McGee) Swaney. She graduated from St. Francis High School in 1945 and continued her education at Michigan State University, where she earned her undergraduate degree in English and Art education and later her master’s degree.

With her former husband Don Wilson, Virginia lovingly raised four wonderful children, Mark, Leslie, Lynn, and Lisa. She worked hard throughout her life and was a teacher in every sense of the word. Teaching was not simply her profession; it was truly part of who she was. Art was her great passion, and she especially loved sharing that passion with her students. During her career, Virginia taught in both Indiana and California. Even after retirement, because she genuinely loved art and helping children learn, she continued as a substitute teacher and conducted art lessons for elementary classes.

Summers brought Virginia back home to Traverse City, where she treasured time spent at the family cottage on Rennie Lake. It was a special retreat and a place where generations of her family and friends continue to gather, relax, and enjoy being together.

A gifted artist and teacher, Virginia, expressed her creativity in countless ways. She especially enjoyed watercolor painting, as well as creating beautiful stained-glass pieces and mosaics. Her artistic eye extended to nearly every part of her life. Virginia was always meticulously dressed and perfectly put together—her outfits coordinated from head to toe. She also enjoyed gardening, being outdoors, and appreciating the beauty around her.

Above all, Virginia treasured her family and friends. Her 99 years were filled with creativity, education, family, and a lifelong desire to learn, teach, and create.

Virginia is survived by her children, Mark (Gloria) Wilson, Leslie Tone, Lynn (Steve) Cummings, and Lisa (Dave) Johnson; her grandchildren: Tara Wilson, Tsering Wilson, Jessica (Mike) Anderson, Drew Johnson, Sierra (Johnny) Wildman, Kim Calhoun; her great-grandchildren: Ryan Anderson, Emma Anderson, Sofia Wildman, John Kase Wildman, Matthew (Emily) Leon, Taylor (Weston) Thibodeaux, Morgan Calhoun; her great-great granddaughter Zoey; her sister-in-law’s: Ann Swaney, Barbara Gosling, Shyla Pantland as well as many beloved nieces, nephews, and friends.

She was preceded in death by her former husband’s Don Wilson and Richard Bennett; her parents, Elmer and Lillian Swaney; and her siblings: Don (Jeanette) Swaney, Lorraine (Bill) McNabb, Shirley (Harvey) Smaha, and Gerry Swaney.

Graveside services will be held at 1:30pm on Saturday, October 17, 2026 at Oakwood Catholic Cemetery in Traverse City, where Virginia will be laid to rest near her parents.

Those wishing to honor Virginia’s memory may consider a memorial contribution to The Father Fred Foundation or a charity of their choice. https://fatherfred.networkforgood.com/projects/230396-father-fred-foundation-general-giving