VIRGINIA HAWLEY BUHN passed away peacefully April 9, 2026, at the remarkable age of 99.

Despite enduring significant pain the latter half of life, Virginia never spoke of her suffering. Instead, she radiated joy and warmth, with positivity so genuine it was felt by everyone she met. Strong-willed and ambitious, she was committed to making the world a better place—and that she did, impacting countless lives throughout her long life.

Born December 16,1926 in Yakima, WA, she was the only child of Warren Hawley, a landscape architect, and Edith Gilliland Hawley, a piano teacher. Showing an early talent for music, she began piano lessons with her mother at age 4. As her abilities blossomed in years that followed, she became known throughout Yakima Valley as a piano soloist and accompanist.

She attended Whitman College and later transferred to University of Washington to study piano with the acclaimed Berthe Poncy Jacobson, as she earned a BA in Music.

She moved to New York City for graduate school and was accepted into the Three Arts Club. She studied piano with Edwin Hughes, renowned pianist and pedagogue, and earned a Master of Arts in Music and Music Education from Columbia University.

After graduation, she returned to the Pacific Northwest and began a long, distinguished career as a piano teacher, respected by colleagues and beloved by students. Her students earned numerous awards and scholarships, and many became professional musicians. She valued every student, regardless of talent level, dedicated to preparing each for a lifetime enjoyment of music. She found deep purpose in her work and retired at the age of 88.

Virginia was also active as a lecture-recitalist, adjudicator & clinician, and held many leadership roles within the Oregon Music Teachers Association. A strong advocate for high standards in music instruction, she served two terms as chair of the National Certification Board for the Music Teachers National Association. In 2007, she was named a Foundation Fellow by MTNA, an honor recognizing individuals who have made significant contributions to the world of music. In 2014, OMTA presented her with its first “Excellence in Teaching” award, an honor that touched her deeply. Through her musical activities, she formed many friendships she cherished dearly.

In 1954, mutual friends introduced her to Edward Buhn, who had just completed his doctorate in optometry. An ideal match, they married a year later and settled in Sweet Home, OR. Ed took leadership roles in several organizations and served on the city council, including two terms as mayor. Virginia served as president of the Lebanon–Sweet Home chapter of the American Association of University Women and later their state board. She was the first president of Chapter DD of the P.E.O. Sisterhood, was active with the Lebanon–Sweet Home Community Concert Association and spent several years on the Peace & Justice Committee of the United Methodist Church. One of her favorite successes in Sweet Home was persuading the city council to replace lettered street names (A, B, C, etc) with tree names (Alder, Birch, Cedar, etc), reflecting pride in the city’s beautiful woodland setting.

In 1985 Ed and Virginia moved to Eugene, ready to be less active. Virginia did join several organizations before becoming completely absorbed in a large piano studio and related professional activities.

Virginia’s greatest love was her family. She shared 50 years of companionship with her beloved husband, Edward, before his death in 2005. She is survived by two children, David Buhn and Mary Alex, and Mary’s husband, Scott Krajca, as well as two grandchildren, Michelle Buhn and Shaun Schuster, and seven great grandchildren.

Virginia’s family is grateful to Visiting Angels and Cascade Hospice whose exceptional support enabled her to remain living independently at home.

In lieu of a memorial service Virginia requests you think of her as you listen to music of your choice. Contributions may be made in her honor to Food for Lane County, the Arthritis Association, Oregon Music Teachers Association, or Oregon Public Broadcasting.