Obituary of Virginia Edwards Setchel

Virginia Edwards Setchel passed away on Tuesday, May 17, 2016 at Tidewell Hospice in Port Charlotte, Florida. She was born on June 24, 1918 in Olean, New York and spent most of her childhood in Cuba, New York. Mrs. Setchel met her husband, William Ackerly Setchel, in Cuba, and they were married in March 1944. They were together until Mr. Setchel's unexpected death in 1977. Mr. and Mrs. Setchel had one son, William Ackerly Setchel, Jr. who survives his parents. Virginia spent her adult life in Western New York and in Florida. She and her family lived in Clymer, Dunkirk, and Batavia, New York and in West Palm Beach and Port Charlotte, Florida. She and her husband came to Port Charlotte in 1968 when Mr. Setchel was engaged as President and later Chairman of the Board of Port Charlotte Bank. During her time in Port Charlotte, Virginia taught elementary school (using the B.A. degree she proudly earned from SUNY at Fredonia when she was 45 years old). After her teaching career, she and her son opened a Hallmark shop in the Promenades where they served the public for17 years. In her later years, Virginia enjoyed the company of her family which included her son and his friend, Susie Smith, her grandchildren, Kelly Paterno (Jeremy) and Joseph Setchel, both of Jacksonville, and Kelly's two daughters, Ana and Addison. She is also survived by her sister, Erline Johnson (Steeg) of Williamsville, New York, her sister-in-law, Barbara Edwards, of Punta Gorda, her sister-in-law, Ruth Edwards, of Petersburg, Virginia, and her brother-in-law, John Setchel, of Port Charlotte. Many nieces and nephews round out the remaining family. Virginia was much loved for her cookies, her sense of humor, and her steadfast love for her family. May she rest in peace. Charlotte Memorial Funeral Home is in charge of local arrangements. A service to celebrate Mrs. Setchel's life will be held at St. James Episcopal Church, 1365 Viscaya Drive, Port Charlotte on Saturday, May 28 at four o'clock in the afternoon. All her friends are welcome. Interment will be at a later date in Cuba, New York. Pay respects at www.charlorlottememorial.com.