Virginia A. (Barwick) Soper, 86, passed away unexpectedly with family at her side on January 20th, 2025 at Brockton Hospital.
Born on May 3, 1938 to Irvin Leonard Barwick and (Abbie) Bernice (Barfield) Barwick at St. Matthews Hospital in Calhoun County, SC., she spent her early life in Sumter, SC and attended Edmunds High School. At 17, she met the love of her life and husband of 68 years, Charles (Chuck/Charlie) Soper. She was a devoted Air Force wife and followed her husband to stations in Alaska, Texas, Maryland, The Azores, and Utah before settling in Abington, MA for the remainder of their lives.
Virginia (or Tee/Ginny, as she was known by many) was a Mom first, and Mom to everyone. She especially enjoyed having family gathered for special occasions and spending special times with children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. She was a talented baker and cake decorator, and enjoyed creating celebration cakes for special family occasions like son Michael and daughter-in-law Cathy's wedding and son Mark and daughter-in-law Joanne's baby shower. Her love language was food, and visits from family and friends meant firing up the stove to prepare her favorite recipes. As a Southern gal, she knew how to do the important stuff right, like fried chicken and potato salad. She was known for her chocolate chip cookies, brownies, mac and cheese and homemade bread and cookies at the holidays. She was often joined in the kitchen by her husband, Charlie, who was in charge of the turkeys, roasts and giblet gravy, or whatever he felt like throwing on the grill. Christmas was her favorite, and she loved her colorful, angel topped tree. She had a special affinity for angels.
Virginia (Tee) spent many years caring for other's children doing in home day care, and with the help of her little sister Abbie headed up the local Brownie troop while her husband was serving in Viet Nam. She and her sister spent time sewing clothing for little ones that they sent to Viet Nam while he was stationed there. While in the Azores, she discovered a love and talent for painting, where she studied under renowned local artist, Senor Dias. She continued her artistic pursuits when they moved to Massachusetts, where she joined an art league, and had art showings at local businesses. She especially loved road trips to the Maine Seacoast to paint. In her later years, she enjoyed exploring family genealogy with her husband, looking forward to the spring where she could enjoy the beautiful flowers her husband kept her surrounded with from his gardens, especially roses, and creating meals with the fresh veggies, and strawberries that he also grew on the property. Both were fans of the local pizza place, and looked forward to visits from special family Judy Soper and sister-in-laws to have an excuse to order. The first crop of corn from Lipinski Farm was also one of their favorite summertime traditions. They both loved looking forward to the first hummingbird sightings each spring and spending quiet evenings together with their beloved furbaby, Sheba.
She was preceded in death by her loving husband of 68 years, Charles A. Soper, just 24 days before her passing. She was also preceded in death by her parents, Irvin and Bernice Barwick and brothers Irvin Barwick Jr., William Barwick and Connie Barwick, all of South Carolina.
She leaves behind children Michael Soper & his wife Cathy from Marshfield, Mark Soper & his wife Joanne from Florida, Susan Hope from Andover and Lee Soper & his wife Lori from Rockland, as well as grandchildren Kari (Michael) Lockwood from NH , Sarah (John) Phillips from Alaska , Eric (Amber Lewis) Hendricks from Nevada, Jackie Soper (partner Mike), Andrea (Mike) Sullivan from Middleboro, Michael Soper (partner Amanda), Tory Soper, Brittany (Pat) Keifer, Elias ( partner Kayce) Soper, and Aidan (partner Brianna) Soper , and 13 great grandchildren, as well as many nieces & nephews, her beloved sister, Abbie and her husband 'Buzz' Busbee, brother Connie Barwick, and best friend Barbara Blanchard.
Family and friends are invited to attend Virginia's visiting hours on Sunday, January 26 from 3:00-6:00 PM, with a funeral service to follow at 6:00 PM at the Blanchard Funeral Chapel, Plymouth Street (Rte. 58 @ the rotary) Whitman. A private burial will take place at a later date at Hillside Cemetery, Abington.
Flowers are welcome, or friends may make donations to Abington Firefighters, Abington Police or local animal shelters.