OBITUARY: Virginia Criblez Withington

Virginia Criblez Withington, 77, of Longboat Key, died April 23 after a five-and-one-half-year battle with cancer.

Born March 11, 1933, in Bluffton, Ohio, she graduated from Ohio State University and the University of Maryland, where she earned her master’s degree. Mrs. Withington had an accomplished career as an educator, teaching in the Howard County, Md. public-school system for 28 years and also serving as business-development chair at a prestigious high school.

She lived in Glenwood, Md. for more than 30 years and moved to Longboat Key 20 years ago.

Mrs. Withington was active in her church and community. She served as treasurer and on the board of directors at Longboat Island Chapel and as treasurer, recorder and president of the Buttonwood Harbour Association. She was a member of the American Association of University Women for nearly 50 years, a reader for the sightless station on WUSF and a member of the Longboat Key Garden Club. She was also active at the Longboat Library, where she served as president for four years and on the board of directors for nine years.

Mrs. Withington supported many local and state non-profit arts and humanitarian organizations. She enjoyed flowers and gardening, reading, cooking, animals and refinishing furniture.

Mrs. Withington is survived by her husband of 54 years, Richard; daughters Robin and Andrea; brother, Donald Criblez; and two nephews.

A memorial service will take place from 11:30 a.m. Sunday, May 2, at Christ Church of Longboat Key, Presbyterian. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to Christ Church of Longboat Key, Presbyterian, 595 Bay Isles Road, Longboat Key, Fla. 34228, or the Longboat Library, 555 Bay Isles Road, Longboat Key, Fla. 34228.