MARBLEHEAD- Virginia M. (Kimball) Eden-Kilgour, 96, a long time resident of Marblehead, passed away on Tuesday, May 18, 2004 at the Lafayette Convalescent Home in Marblehead, where she lived for many years.
Born on July 14, 1908 in Battle Creek, Michigan, the first of twin daughters to Minnie (Osterbind) and Dr. Arthur S. Kimball.
She graduated from Battle Creek High School and attended Olivet College for two years where she won a year’s scholarship to the Sorbonne in Paris and the University of Nancy.
After returning to the United States she attended the University of Michigan receiving a Master of Science Degree. A year of practical medical technique in a suburban Chicago hospital followed. This experience convinced her that following her father’s career in medicine was not her forte and she entered the University of California receiving a masters degree in commercial French.
She twice returned to France for summer courses at the Institute De Touraine in Tours.
After teaching English and history in a junior high school in Battle Creek she received a position teaching her beloved French in Chariton, Iowa.
A friendship with Captain James Eden-Kilgour, a British subject, had developed on a ship crossing the Atlantic, and culminated in their marriage in December 1940. He had become a naturalized citizen of the United States and a Major in the Army Air Corps. They had a son, James Andrew who graduated from Boston University with a degree in electrical engineering.
After many moves by the Army throughout the U.S., the last one being Salem, MA where Virginia became active in St. Peter’s Episcopal Church and a member of the Alter Guild, as well as substitute teaching and other community projects.
They purchased a house on Gerry Street in Marblehead which became their home for over fifty years.
Virginia continued living in their home after her husband’s death in 1984, still devoting time to the church as well as maintaining the home and her beautiful large garden all the time creating beautiful works of art in needlepoint which were often honored at exhibits and became cherished possessions of family and friends.
She had a brilliant mind and courageous spirit which prevailed even in the last year of her life. Virginia would have celebrated her 97th birthday on July 14, 2004!
Virginia is survived by her son, James Andrew Eden-Kilgour of Delta Junction, Alaska, a daughter-in-law, Shirley Sawyer Eden-Kilgour of Memphis, Tennessee, a granddaughter, Heather and grandsons, Kieran and Terrance of North Pole. Alaska, a sister, Josephine Buckminster of Grosse Pointe, Michigan and a dear friend, James Sweet of Peabody. She was predeceased by her twin sister, Eleanor Kimball, a brother Arthur S. Kimball, Jr. and his twin sister, Maryo Gard, who died on March 20, 2004
A Memorial Service will be held Saturday, May 29, 2004 at 10 am at the St. Peter Episcopal Church, Salem. Relatives and friends respectfully invited to attend. Burial will take place at a later date in the Kimball family lot in Oakhill Cemetery, Battle Creek, Michigan. For those who desire, donations may be made in her memory to the St. Peter Episcopal Church, 24 St. Peter St., Salem, MA 01970. Arrangement by the Full-SpychalskI Funeral Home, 84 Washington Square East, by Salem Common, Salem. For guest book and other information, visit www.MarbleheadFuneral.com.