VIRGINIA JEAN CHAMBERLIN
Virginia (Ginny) Chamberlin passed away peacefully at Bronson Commons on Nov. 5, 2017. She was born in Paw Paw on Oct 28, 1922. Ginny was predeceased by her parents, Max William and Gladys Lucena (nee Castner) Chamberlin. She was cherished by her late aunt, Dorothy Anne (nee Chamberlin) Songco, as a sister; her late uncle Jose G. Songco; and their children – Josette, John (Linda Stypka), Gary (Trudy Johansen) and the late Frederick Songco. She is also survived by cousins Jim Castner and Ruth (nee Kimble) Pebroline; and, by “my adopted daughter,” Jean Kracker. Ginny treasured St. Mark’s congregation and her many, many friends as beloved family members.
Virginia graduated from Paw Paw High School in 1940 where she was an accomplished orchestral violinist and amateur photographer. Upon graduation from St. Camillus School of Nursing in 1944, she remained in Kalamazoo working as a pediatric nurse until the sudden death of her father in 1955, when she returned to Paw Paw to help her mother run their farm. She continued working as a pediatrics RN at Lakeview Hospital and as a Red Cross volunteer until her retirement in 1981. Always active at St. Marks Episcopal Church, retirement years found Ginny more deeply involved in EWC service works and Altar Guild until her illness began in late 2016. Ginny was a kindhearted, generous woman with a backbone of steel – “They just don’t make them like her any more.”
Visitation will be held on Saturday, November 18, 2017 beginning at 10:00 am at St. Mark’s Episcopal Church, 412 Cedar Street, Paw Paw, where a funeral service will commence at 11:00 am with Rev. Rebecca Crise officiating. A luncheon will follow the service in the church hall. Graveside committal service will conclude at 2:30 pm at Oak Grove Cemetery, Lawton.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorials/donations go to St. Mark’s Episcopal Church, PO Box 307, Paw Paw, MI 49079. (269) 657-3762. Share a memory or sign the online guestbook at: www.adamspawpaw.com
Charitable donations may be made to:
Saint Mark's Episcopal Church
412 Cedar Street, Paw Paw MI 49079