Virgene Bollens, 85, a resident of Pacific Palisades since 1959, died on July 6 at her home. A memorial service will be held at the United Methodist Church on Via de la Paz on Sunday, August 1 at 1 p.m., with a reception following at her house. Throughout her life, and especially in her 45 years as an active member of the Palisades community, Virgene was known and loved for her keen intelligence, her cheerful spirit, her energy, and her kindness. She loved the outdoors and nature, enjoyed birding on a regular basis, loved physical activities such as biking and swimming, which she did until the last couple of years, enjoyed the company of friends and family, and lived in line with her beliefs, in service to her family and community. Born in Hammond, Indiana, Virgene married John (Jack) Bollens in 1945. They moved to California in the early 1950s when Jack joined the political science department at UCLA. They had two sons, Ross and Scott, and settled in the Palisades. Virgene was an energetic woman who remained active and busy in her family life, in the community, and professionally. While raising her sons, she completed her master’s degree from UC Berkeley. She then taught both 5th grade and in the gifted program at Kenter Canyon Elementary. Virgene was recognized as a superb teacher, and there are many who still remember participating in the mock Senate in her American government classes. In the early ’70s, Virgene left teaching to launch, with her husband, Palisades Publishers, a local publisher of university textbooks in the fields of political science and government. After Jack died in 1983, Virgene continued running the company for the rest of the decade. As a mother of growing sons, Virgene was a Cub Scout den mother, a Boy Scout mom, and an energetic member of the PTA at Palisades Elementary School, Paul Revere Middle School, and Palisades High, serving as PTSA president at PaliHi for a number of years. She supported her sons in their various sporting events, and is remembered as the mom who kept score for the little league teams at the Palisades Recreation Center while handing out candy. An active member of the Palisades Methodist Church, Virgne taught Sunday School, participated on the Parish Council, and served as church treasurer. She was a strong contributor to the success of the annual autumn church bazaar, providing, among other items, the cookies and apple pies that her friends always looked forward to. Virgene was an enthusiastic member of the Palisades community, where she was recognized as an asset on every committee in which she participated. She was a member of the Palisades Historical Society, serving as treasurer for a number of years. As a member of the Friends of the Library Association, she worked hard to raise money for the new branch library. After retiring, she was a Meals-on-Wheels volunteer for several years. In addition, Virgene was an active member of the UCLA Faculty Women’s Club, where she was treasurer for a number of years. Virgene is survived by her two sons, Ross of Pacific Palisades (and wife Gene) and Scott of Irvine (wife Claudia), and four grandchildren, Eric, 15, and Katherine, 12, of Pacific Palisades, and Damon, 10, and Denali, 7, of Irvine. Those who knew Virgene’both friends and family’are grateful to have known intimately such a generous and selfless spirit. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Virgene’s honor to the Natural Resources Defense Council (NDRC) or to the TreePeople.
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