LACONIA, NH ---- Virginia “Gini” Ellen Vagts, 98, passed away on Wednesday, September 4, 2024, at St. Francis Rehabilitation and Nursing Center in Laconia, NH. She was a beloved mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, and friend who will be deeply missed by all who knew her.
Virginia was born on June 3, 1926, in Jackson Heights, NY, where she resided until her marriage to Christopher R. Vagts. She was the daughter of the late Cecile Thomas Hanger and Alma Victoria (Johansson) Hanger.
After high school Gini went on to hone her skills at secretarial school. Upon completion, she was hired by Time Life Publishing in NYC. Her favorite memory was seeing the lighting of the Christmas tree at Rockefeller Center from her office window. After Gini and Chris married, their first apartment was near the city. In the early 1950’s they moved out to Long Island, first to Lynbrook and later Huntington for their growing family. Gini reentered the work force in the 1960’s in a secretarial capacity in various settings. In 1992 she and Chris moved to Laconia near their daughter. To meet people in her new home state, Gini began a career in retail where she worked in several popular women's clothing stores. Her willingness to work hard, winning smile and flare for fashion made her a natural.
Gini loved to read and was a lifelong library patron. She also loved the beach, especially Jones Beach, Hampton Bays, Fire Island, Venice Beach, Block Island and the local Lakewood Beach on Lake Winnisquam. Gini’s real passion was travel. She traveled with her husband, children and grandchildren throughout the US, Canada and extensively in Europe. She went on safari in Africa, a river cruise in Russia and finally to China on her 80th birthday for her “bucket list” walk on the Great Wall. For her 90th birthday, Gini took the Cog Railway with family to the top of Mt. Washington on a rare cloudless day.
Virginia is survived by her daughters Karin Albert, of Laconia, NH, and Laura McInerney and husband Ken, of NJ; daughter-in-law Tammie Vagts, of NC; grandchildren, Kristen Burke and husband Chris, Daniel Albert, Chris S. Vagts, Richard Vagts, Thomas Vagts, and Steven McInerney. She will be greatly missed by niece Joan Moore and great-grandchildren Katie and Alex Burke with whom she had a close relationship. In addition to her parents, Virginia is predeceased by her husband Christopher R. Vagts, her son Christopher H. Vagts and son-in-law David Albert.
There are no services planned at this time.
For those who wish, the family suggests that memorial donations in Gini’s name may be made to the Activities Department at St. Francis Rehabilitation and Nursing Center – c/o Rachel Rollins, 406 Court Street, Laconia, NH 03246 or to Laconia Public Library 695 Main Street, Laconia, NH 03246.
Wilkinson-Beane-Simoneau-Paquette Funeral Home & Cremation Services/603Cremations.com, 164 Pleasant Street, Laconia, NH is assisting the family with the arrangements. For more information and to view an online memorial go to wilkinsonbeane.com.