Virginia Maxine Gaylen

Virginia Maxine Baker Gaylen, 93, passed peacefully in her sleep July 9, 2014, at her home in Wasilla.

She was born in Brush, Colorado, on Nov. 30, 1921.

Virginia (Maxine) had a lengthy career as a waitress in San Francisco, Las Vegas, Denver and Anchorage; and was the owner/operator of three childcare centers in Anchorage. Indicative of her adventuresome spirit, she drove the Alaska Highway to Anchorage in 1953 with her cat as her only companion.

Virginia always saw possibilities, and never allowed challenges to interfere with her dreams or visions. Small in stature, she had the nature of Goliath.

Virginia was preceded in death by her parents, Ferris Rose Porter and William Baker; brother, Douglas Richard Baker; sister, Joyce Chavez.

Surviving are her sister, Carol (Marvin) Manes; daughters, Molly Jackson, Delores (Craig) Leffel, Debra (Nasser) Othman; son, Monty (Lorraine) Hagerty; son-in law Frank Jackson; grandchildren, Franchesca Heywood, Stephen Fendley, Brandon Jackson, Charon Fendley, Jeffe Hagerty, Nathan Hagerty, Jacob Hagerty and Alexander Hagerty; great grandchildren, Anna Mari Baylor, Natalie Hagerty, Nathen Jr. Hagerty and Elizabeth Hagerty; and great great granddaughters, Adelyn and Braelynn Baylor; and long-time caregiver Carl McDermott; and her beloved cats, Ike and Mike.

Arrangements were made through Valley Funeral Home in Wasilla.