Virginia Jane Jastren

Virginia Jane (Skibinski) Jastren, 100

Virginia Jane Jastren, a beloved mother, grandmother, and pillar of Detroit's Warrendale neighborhood, passed away peacefully with family by her side on October 5, 2025, at the age of 100. She recently celebrated her birthday surrounded by family, a milestone that reflected a lifetime of devotion, perseverance, and care for others.

Born August 4, 1925, to Albert Skibinski and Anna Tomilowski, Virginia grew up proud of her Polish heritage and carried those traditions throughout her life. On June 1, 1953, she married the only love of her life, Richard Simon Jastren. After Richard's unexpected passing on June 17, 1972, Virginia learned to drive at age 48 and single-handedly raised their three children with courage, grit, and unwavering love.

Virginia was known across Warrendale for her open heart and open door. She handed out candy to neighborhood kids for years, kept a close eye on friends and neighbors, and never let anyone leave her porch or kitchen without being fed. She always wanted people to eat. Holidays were her signature: for many, many years, Christmas and Thanksgiving were celebrated at her Detroit home, where the table was filled with kielbasa, favorite Polish dishes, and sometimes on occasion her beloved czernina.

She is survived by her children Patty (Mark), Bobby, and Richard; her grandchildren Michelle (Lance), Eric, Nick (Jill), Melissa, Bobby, and Kyle; and countless great-grandchildren who lovingly knew her as Grandma Virgie. She was preceded in death by her husband, Richard.

Visitation will begin at 10:30 a.m. followed by an 11:00 a.m. Mass on Monday, October 13, at Saints Peter and Paul Roman Catholic Church, Westside, 7685 Grandville Ave, Detroit, MI 48228. Burial will follow at St. Hedwig Cemetery & Mausoleum.

In lieu of flowers, the family invites friends and neighbors to honor Virginia by sharing a favorite story, offering a small kindness to someone in the community, or enjoying a plate of good Polish food in her memory.