Virginia “Ginny” H. Kingsbury, 93, of Worcester died Friday, February 25th in UMass Memorial Health Alliance Clinton Hospital, Leominster.
Ginny leaves her daughter, Ruth McMahan of Sugar Land, TX; three grandchildren, Michelle Walker and her husband, Jason, William McMahan and his wife, Angie, and Amanda Schoolar and her husband, Nicholas; four great grandchildren, Taylor Schoolar, Sidney Walker, Carly Schoolar, and Ella Schoolar; three nephews, David, James and Mark Hill; and a niece, Debbie Ellis. She was predeceased by her two brothers, John W. Hill and Frank F. Hill; and a sister, Ruth A. Hill.
She was born in Boston, the daughter of the late John E. Hill and Ella (Whittredge) Amidon. She graduated from Clark University in 1964 with a BSGS and then went on to receive her nursing certification from Quinsigamond where she worked at Worcester State Hospital for many years. She enjoyed many years working in research and in the hospital lab.
A life-long Worcester resident, Ginny was known and respected by many for her involvement in her community. She was a member of the Worcester Chorus for 62 years and a long-time member of First Baptist Church where she sang in the choir. She was a member of the Handel and Haydn Society and sang with the Magical Singers at Old Sturbridge Village for many years. She loved to travel and explore the world. She loved nature and was an environmentalist. She was involved in Bird Clubs at Forbush Sanctuary and the Massachusetts Audubon Society. Her love of birds and butterflies earned her the title of “Butterfly Lady” by her great grandchildren. As an avid environmentalist, some might remember her for her fierce involvement in the battle against the Asian Longhorn Beetle at Dodge Park.
In her final years, she was diagnosed as being legally blind. For most of us, this would have been the end of independent living, but not for Ginny. We are grateful for all the amazing volunteers that helped make living her final years at home possible. Whether it was the Massachusetts Association for the Blind Services, the Elder Services, help with getting groceries or to doctor appointments, a neighbor shoveling snow or the mail carrier stopping by to say “hello”, Virginia was blessed with a loving & supportive community who respected her greatly. It really does take a village and each of you meant a great deal to her.
Her family would like to also thank the doctors and nurses at the UMass Memorial Hospital, the Highlands in Fitchburg, and the UMass Memorial Health Alliance Clinton Hospital in Leominster for their outstanding care of Virginia during her final weeks; and a special thank you to her dear neighbors, George and Kelly, for always being there.
A celebration of life will be held at First Baptist Church of Worcester, sometime Summer of 2022, when the gardens are in full bloom.
In lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be made to the Mass Audubon’s Broad Meadow Brook Conservation Center and Wildlife Sanctuary, 414 Massasoit Road, Worcester, MA 01604, the Massachusetts Association for the Blind and Visually Impaired, 200 Ivy Street, Boston, MA 02446, the Native American Rights Fund, 1506 Broadway, Boulder, CO 80302 or to a charity of the donor’s choice. O’CONNOR BROTHERS FUNERAL HOME, 592 Park Avenue is assisting the family with arrangements. To share a memory or leaves a message of condolence please visit oconnorbrothers.com.