Virginia R. Gauss

Virginia R Gauss, 91, of Charleston , South Carolina, passed away on November 21, 2018.
When we leave this earth, we wish for a life well spent.
Virginia Rodriguez Gauss filled her life with creativity and beauty. She found this in all things natural to our world. Ginna fed her creativity with travels to many continents throughout her life.
Ginna loved theater and music. An active high school thespian, she strongly supported theater arts and the symphony in her community. As an artist and writer, Ginna shared her passions through painting, sculpture and architectural design, poetry and children's stories.
Virginia Drane Rodriguez was born to Ruth Wentworth Candy and Paul Augustine Rodriguez on January 31, 1927. She spent her early childhood in St. Louis, Missouri and Nashville, Tennessee. From the time she was a child, she admired art and beauty. Ginna was dreamer and this led her on many adventures. She became a pilot when she was just in high school. She studied at Washington University, where she met Charles Frederick Gauss. They were married on October 21, 1949.
From St. Louis, Ginna and Chuck moved, with their first child Erica, to the Chicago area, where Fredrika and Kristin were born. Their fourth child, Kurt, was born in Milwaukee, Wisconsin.
Ginna raised her four children while continuing her education in art and psychology at the University of Wisconsin in Milwaukee. She was active in the arts and traveled widely.
Ginna married Russell Eaton CDR on August 14, 1977. She practiced psychiatric social work, both at Milwaukee Psychiatric Hospital and as a self-employed therapist.
Ginna retired to Door County, Wisconsin, a location she discovered and fell in love with through sailing. Living in the woods, Ginna fostered great interest in the environment. She designed and built her first home on the shores of Lake Michigan, among the trees, just feet from the soothing and dramatic waves.
Ginna designed and built her second home on James Island, in Charleston, South Carolina, a place she found rich in art, music, and natural beauty. Ginna received the PRISM award for the design and construction of her home, served for many years as a docent with the Historic Charleston Foundation, belonged to the Poetry Society of South Carolina, attended many performances and classes at the School of Arts, College of Charleston, and participated in the educational charity group Dining for Women.
Virginia R. Gauss is survived by her four children: Erica Stover, Fredrika Harper (Michael), Kristin Mayer (Stephen), Kurt Gauss (Sarah), her brother Paul Allen Rodriguez (Carolyn), eight grandchildren, four great-grandchildren and seven nieces and nephews.
Ginna lived a full and passionate life. She will be remembered for her many contributions to our world.
In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the College of Charleston Department of Theatre
by going to giving.cofc.edu/donate - for the Designation select "other" and then enter "R231 - Theatre".
Expressions of sympathy may be viewed or submitted online at www.mcalister-smith.com.
Arrangements have been entrusted to McAlister-Smith Funeral Home, James Island , 347 Folly Road, Charleston, SC 29412, 843-614-8494.