Virginia B. Race

Virginia B. Race, 96, of Egremont, Massachusetts, passed away peacefully on June 30, 2026, surrounded by the love of her family.

Virginia lived her entire life in Egremont, a town she loved and to which she was deeply devoted. She married her husband, Clarence Dudley "Dud" Race, in 1949. Together, Virginia and Dud built a life centered on commitment, hard work, and family, raising four children: Dudley Race (Beverly) of Great Barrington, Massachusetts; Tom Race (Robin) of Egremont, Massachusetts; Brian Race of Estes Park, Colorado; and Cindy Race (Sara) of Egremont, Massachusetts, and Walnut Creek, California.

A devoted wife and stay-at-home mother, Virginia worked at the Mahaiwe Bank in Great Barrington. She also managed the bookkeeping for the family business, Egremont Contractors. And later spent nearly 30 years as a retail clerk, where she became well known for her friendly smile, genuine kindness, and ability to make everyone feel welcome. She generously gave her time to both her church and her community. She was a faithful member of the South Egremont Congregational Church from 1946 until its closure in 2018, serving as a deacon, an active member of the Ladies Aid, and a Sunday School clerk. She also belonged to the Great Barrington Garden Club and served the Town of Egremont as Tax Collector for a short time.

Virginia was one of the kindest and most thoughtful people anyone could know. She never missed a birthday, never forgot to send a thank-you card, and always made the people in her life feel remembered and appreciated. Even into her later years, she remained sharp as a tack, with an encyclopedic mind, a remarkable memory, and a genuine interest in the lives of those she loved. Her knowledge of local history was vast, and she delighted in sharing stories and memories that preserved the rich heritage of the community she cherished. She was always fully present, offering her time, attention, wisdom, and encouragement to family and friends alike.

There was a quiet strength and warmth about Virginia that naturally drew people close. Her home, her heart, and her steady presence became the center of the Race family. Many of her children and grandchildren chose to remain in or return to Egremont because being close to Virginia meant being close to home. Her greatest joy was having her family together, and her greatest legacy is the love, kindness, faith, and values she passed on to each generation.

Virginia is survived by her four beloved children; her four cherished grandchildren, Valerie Race (Nate) of Egremont, Massachusetts; Tyler Race (Angela) of Egremont, Massachusetts; Scott Race (Carissa) of Egremont, Massachusetts; and Katie Mancino (Matt) of Egremont, Massachusetts; and her eleven treasured great-grandchildren: Annabelle, Hailey, Greg, Cole, Myles, Skyler, Luke, Maxwell, Beau, Liberty, and Lily.

She was predeceased by her parents, William H. Mielke and Laurinda (Belle) Mielke and her husband, Dud, and her brother, George Mielke.

Virginia was profoundly grateful for the loving support of her family and friends, whose care allowed her to remain in the home she treasured throughout her life. It was always her wish to stay there rather than move to a nursing home. Her family is also deeply thankful for the compassionate care provided by HospiceCare in The Berkshires during the final months of her life, allowing her to spend her remaining days with comfort, dignity, and peace.

A Celebration of Life will be announced and held this fall.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations in Virginia's memory may be made to HospiceCare in The Berkshires or the Egremont Fire Department either directly or c/o Finnerty & Stevens Funeral Home, 426 Main Street, Great Barrington, MA 01230. To send remembrances to her family please go www.finnertyandstevens.com

Virginia's gentle spirit, unwavering thoughtfulness, and unconditional love will live on in the hearts of all who knew her. She will be deeply missed and forever remembered.