Virginia Vercammen greeted every customer who walked into the restaurant she owned with her husband, Paul, with a sticky-sweet “good evening” in her Belgian accent. Their Olive Mill Bistro was the scene of spectacular New Year’s Eve parties, spirited Fiesta celebrations, and intimate Valentine’s Day dinners over the many years it was open.
The hostess from the Olive Mill Bistro and our eternally loving mother passed away in her sleep on Wednesday, January 15, in Solvang.
She was born Virginia Alfonsina Broux on February 17, 1925, in Zonhoven, Belgium. During her childhood in rural Belgium, Virginia lived under a thatched roof with a raucous group of 14 siblings, the third born to Cristina Fraiponts and Hubert Broux. Virginia also had five half brothers and sisters from Hubert’s previous marriage. Her life ranged from hard farm chores to watching out for the “younger kids,” numerous silly adventures with her siblings, and playing soccer with the boys.
