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Home|Ms
Senior America Press Release |
Dr. Theodore Tuinstra
Alternative Health Articles|Hall
Of Fame
Biography
Mary Virginia was born on January 13, 1938 in Houston, Texas one of a boy/girl ,
twin. Her mother was a legal secretary and her father was a marine-insurance adjuster for a major company. Early in life, her mother recognized her considerable musical talents and at significant
sacrifice, provided for piano lessons at age 4, dance lessons at age 10 and voice lessons at age 14.
Mary Virginia's professional career also started at 14 in a production of "Kiss Me Kate" at Houston's Little Theater. At San
Jacinto High School she was a member of the renowned mixed chorus and was selected to the all-state choir 2 years. She was a track star as well, holding the national junior Olympic record in the 50
yard low hurdles for 10 years! She also represented the U.S. in the Pan-Am Games in 1954.
Besides her many talents she has raised 6 beautiful children. In the meantime, she volunteered to direct adult and children's
church choirs as well as serving as counselor for Jr. High students.
She starred in the "Opera In The Schools" project for 5 years, mostly as Lucy, in Minotte's opera, “The Telephone.” Mary. Virginia also sang with Houston Grand Opera and Houston Summer
Musicals as chorister and soloist. After a move to Dallas she performed in similar capacities with The Dallas Opera, (now in her 32nd year) and Dallas Summer Musicals. In addition she starred as
“Queen of the Night” in SMU’s 1977 production of "The Magic Flute."
Miss Senior America met her husband of 21 years, Theodore Tuinstra, DO, a tenor, in the “Dallas Opera Chorus” who shared the stage with her for 11
years. They appeared together in lead roles in the 1980 UTD production of "The Boyfriend". Mary Virginia was an AGMA delegate for the “Dallas Opera” chorus for 10 years and a national AGMA Board Member
for 4 years. She has also been a member of the Dallas Opera” Board.
Besides these many activities Mary Virginia also sang many years with the “Dallas Symphony Chorus” and the original “Dallas Chamber Singers.” She modeled at the “Dallas Apparel Mart” for
20 years and is presently active as a cosmetics consultant. Her favorite hobbies are gardening and flower arranging. Her favorite sports are tennis, track and swimming. She is looking forward to
participating in the “Senior Olympics.”
Mary Virginia has made numerous appearances at local, regional and state charitable events as “Ms Texas Senior America” and is looking forward to continuing her outreach on a national level as “Ms Senior America.” Her
greatest joy in life is spending time with her children, 'stepchildren and her precious 22 grandchildren. |
