Confluence Loses Two of Its Own – Virginia Halverson and Tom Close Jr.
In the span of a single week, Confluence has lost two lifelong, dedicated residents — Virginia Lee Halverson and Tom Close Jr. Both gave freely of themselves to this valley.
It has been a hard week for Confluence.
In the span of just a few days, this community has lost two of its own – two people who gave freely of themselves to the valley they called home, and who will not easily be replaced.
Virginia Lee Halverson, 87, passed away Monday, April 6, at her home in Confluence. Ginny was a 1957 graduate of Turkeyfoot Valley Area High School, a longtime member of Borough Council, a CNA at Henry Clay Villa for many years, and a former Director of the Turkeyfoot Valley Historical Society. She operated an antique shop and ran Ginny’s Addison Auction for years. She was, by every measure, a woman who stayed – who planted herself in this community and tended it carefully. The Historical Society remembered her this week as a good friend. She was that and more.
Tom Close Jr., past Chief of the Confluence Volunteer Fire Company, has also passed away, after a courageous battle with stage four lung cancer. Tom was a fixture of this department and this town. He showed up for decades. He led when it was needed. His name appeared in these pages more than once – including just last spring when he was manning the chicken barbeque with the same quiet competence that defined everything he did. The fire community across this region has offered its condolences. So do we.
Two lifelong residents. Two people who made this place better by being in it. We are grateful for both of them, and we send our deepest condolences to their families.