Virginia Waring dies at 97
People knew Virginia Waring for the beautiful melodies she played on the piano, her admirable personality, and, of course, for her famous husband. One of Virginia’s close friends and former chair of the College of the Desert music department, John Norman, wanted us all to know she was more that just Mrs. Fred Waring.
“I’m afraid, as she goes, that the desert will remember her as the widow, but she was internationally well recognized,” Norman said.
As the founding president of the Virginia Waring International Piano Competition, she brought classical piano music to the desert through outreach concerts to schools and by hosting eight days of an international piano competition.
A former competition winner gave this statement about Virginia: Her love, affection and role has been invaluable to the music world and her legacy will live on forever. It is a privilege to have met her and have been exposed to such love and kindness as well as a professional foundation of career assistance.
Though known for music, norman says she was quiet in the desert scene.
“Fred Waring was internationally known. For her to be the wife of Fred Waring, that must have been the entry way to all the society ares of the desert because of Fred, but she never did need that,” Norman said.
He hopes, despite her often low profile, people remember her.
“The desert can sometimes not pay any attention to some very significant people. Unless you’re into the areas really popular, you can be unnoticed,” Norman said. “I really will miss her, and I’m sorry she’s gone. But, I’m somewhat relieved it’s over because she has been in hospice care for a wile now, which means she’s been seriously ill.”
A Palm Springs Life article says a celebration of life service is pending.
In lieu of flowers, the family suggested donations to the Virginia Waring International Piano Competition and Coachella Valley Alumnae Panhellenic. Virginia Waring was 97.
