Virginia (Ginnie) was born on June 28 in Baltimore, MD, where she lived until she was 8 years old. She moved with her family to Silver Spring, MD, then to Chicago, IL, and finally at age 14, to Bethesda, MD, where she lived for more than 30 years. At 14 years old and amid the Depression, Ginnie lost her father. An only child, Ginnie was a huge support for her mother both financially and emotionally during this time and for many years.
Fun fact: As a teen, Ginnie appeared on a national radio show called “Quiz Kids.” This was a game show that took place in Chicago with a panel consisting of five extremely bright children, giving entertaining answers to various challenging questions posed by listeners.
As a teenager, Ginnie took flying lessons, but had to give them up when the war ended. Ginnie attended two local high schools, Richard Mongomeryand BCC. She graduated BCC with Honors in 1947 and received a full scholarship to George Washington University. Ginnie graduated with an associate degree, leaving two years early to marry her first husband. She later completed her bachelor’s degree in literature at American University. Ginnie was a homemaker, active volunteer, and later worked as an editor for many years.
Ginnie met her first husband, Bill, while attending BCC. They lived in Bethesda and had three daughters together – Linda, now married to Mark and living in St. Louis; Debbie, now married to Chris and living in North Bethesda; and Carol, who was married to John and lived in Wyoming, until she passed away in 2020. Ginnie and Bill also share eight grandchildren and six (soon to be seven) great-grandchildren.
In 1974, Ginnie married her second husband, Harold, a WWII Navy Veteran. She has four stepchildren, seven step grandchildren, and one step great grandchild. Ginnie moved with Harold to their home in St. Michaels on the Eastern Shore. When Harold passed away in 2015, Ginnie moved to Bayleigh Chase, a nearby Independent Living community, where she lived until coming to The Groves.
Ginnie has traveled to Europe and most of the U.S. Her best friend Marie (who has since passed) was her favorite travel buddy. Ginnie loves traveling when it means she gets to visit with her family!