Virginia A. Kandel

Virginia Ann Kandel, “Jitter”, 81, of Freeland, MD, and previously Tucson, AZ, gently left our world on Sunday, August 2, 2026, in York, PA.

Born February 14, 1945, in Abilene, TX, Virginia was the daughter of the late Ammon “John” Russel and Jonnie Lois (O’Shields) Pierce. She grew up in Casa Grande, AZ and was affectionately known there as “Jitter” to family and childhood friends. She was the loving wife of Gregory E. Kandel, who died on February 22, 2006.

Virginia lived a life marked by kindness, curiosity, and a deep appreciation for both people and the simple joys of everyday life. She built a career as a travel agent with American Express Travel, where she enjoyed helping others create memorable journeys and experiences.

Outside of work, Virginia found great happiness in her hobbies. She loved sewing and quilting, and was also passionate about cooking, especially Chinese cuisine. She even took classes to perfect her skills.

Virginia had a special affection for birds, spending many peaceful hours birdwatching and caring for pet birds throughout her life. She also believed in giving back to her community and generously volunteered with the USO, supporting service members and their families.

For the last 14 years, Virginia made her home in Arizona, living in the Tucson area. There, she continued to enjoy the hobbies she loved and the friendships she cherished. She will be remembered for her free spirit, creative talents, warm hospitality, and the love she shared with those fortunate enough to know her.

Virginia is survived by two children, Marie Bohlayer (nee Manion) and husband Kevin of Freeland, MD, Paul Manion and wife Ann (nee Herwig) of Bloomfield Hills, MI, as well as 5 grandchildren, Kathryn and Erin Bohlayer, and Kurt, Grace and Peter Manion. She is also survived by two siblings, Jerry Pierce and De Linda Rose, both of Denver, CO. She was preceded in death by one sister, Darlene Pierce.

Following Virginia’s wishes for cremation, services will be private.

Virginia’s family kindly suggests memorial contributions be made in her memory to the Wounded Warrior Project Foundation, which can be made online at https://support.woundedwarriorproject.org/ or to the USO, which can be made online at https://give.uso.org.

Hartenstein Funeral & Cremation Care, Inc., has been entrusted with the arrangements. Memories and condolences may be shared online at www.Hartensteincares.com.