Hudsonville Congregational United Church of Christ

Virginia Burman was born in Grand Rapids, Michigan on January 1, 1923. In 1931, Virginia moved to a farm in Hudsonville and attended Hudsonville Public Schools. Upon
graduation from Hudsonville High School, she attended Davenport College for two years majoring in business administration. On Dec. 7, 1941, when World War II made
its way to the U.S., many women elected to serve in the U.S.O., American Red Cross, War Plants, etc. but in 1943 Virginia chose to join the Waves. She served in a high
security communications position as a "decoder" in Washington, D.C. until 1945. While in Washington she met Maynard Hawley who served in the USAF for six years.
After leaving the service, Maynard moved back to Traverse City with Virginia as his bride. When Maynard passed away Virginia moved back to Hudsonville and in 1991
transferred her membership to Hudsonville Congregational United Church of Christ where she became a very active member. Virginia is thought to be the longest surviving
service woman from WW-2 from this area. As a church we are very proud of Virginia and all other service men and women who sacrificed so much for our country.