Virgilia "Virgie" Maria Fountain Pisarich Ridgeway

Virgilia "Virgie" Maria Fountain Pisarich Ridgeway, beloved grandmother, mother, sister, and friend, peacefully passed away at home surrounded by family on Saturday, March 23rd, 2024. Virgie was born on November 27th, 1934, in Biloxi, Mississippi, to Iona Fountain Diddlemeyer. She was raised in D’Iberville and attended D’Iberville schools.  

Virgie had a lifelong passion for dancing and frequented dance clubs in her youth. A self-proclaimed tomboy, she found joy in fishing at Fountain Pier and swimming in the Back Bay of Biloxi. She worked at the Popps Ferry Restaurant before spending several years working on the beaches of West Palm Beach, Florida. Later, she became a poker dealer in Biloxi after the casinos opened in the '90s. She loved the sun and being outdoors, and could usually be found in her front yard mowing the grass, pulling weeds, and working on her home in West Biloxi, where she lived for over 50 years.  Virgie loved watching tennis and cheering on her favorite baseball team, the Atlanta Braves. 

Virgie was blessed with five children whom she adored. She spent many years caring for her beloved son Randy and cherished daughter Karen. Her greatest joy came from spending time with her grandchildren, whom she spoiled at every opportunity. She never missed throwing a birthday party for all her children and grandchildren, complete with a homemade cake, a candle for each year, and plenty of photos on her trusty film camera. 

Virgie was known to be tough as nails but possessed a heart of gold.  She was truly one of a kind. She will be deeply missed by her family, friends, and all who had the privilege of knowing her. 

Virgie is preceded in death by her mother, Iona Fountain Diddlemeyer; brothers, AJ Fountain, Daniel Fountain, Elgin Diddlemeyer, Harold Diddlemeyer, and Jan Diddlemeyer; and her children, Robbie Pisarich, Randy Pisarich, and Karen Pisarich.

Virgie is survived by her brother, Lawrence Diddlemeyer; sister, Winona Knott; goddaughter, Vicky Shoemake; children, Kim (Karl) Hager and Joe (Belynda) Pisarich; grandchildren, Jason (Lauren) Gram, David Buckeridge, Dwayne Buckeridge, Andrew (Abigail) Pisarich, Joseph (Lauren) Pisarich, Ryan Pisarich, Colby Pisarich, and Shelby Pisarich, and great-grandchildren, Gaige Buckeridge, Trey Buckeridge, Ava Buckeridge, Carter Pisarich, and Sophie Pisarich. 

The family extends their heartfelt gratitude to Virgie’s children and in-laws, especially Joe and Belynda Pisarich, who selflessly cared for her every day over the past decade. She was looked after, doted on, and loved immeasurably until her last breath. Special thanks are extended to all the nurses and caretakers from Saad Healthcare and Gentiva Hospice who provided compassionate care to Virgie. 

A small private service for the family will be held at a later date. 

Bradford-O'Keefe Funeral Home is honored to serve the family of Virgilia "Virgie" Maria Fountain Pisarich Ridgeway.