VIRGINIA EKBERG

VIRGINIA EDITH (PHILLIPS) EKBERG June 23, 1941 - December 18, 2025 Ginny, age 84, passed away peacefully after a short stay at Thunder Bay Regional Health Sciences Centre. She was predeceased by her husband, Hugh Ekberg and her parents, Lenora and Gordon Phillips, whom she remembered and spoke of often, especially mom (her strongest advocate). Ginny continued to want 'Mom-type' meals and desserts throughout her life.

Ginny, who was the eldest of four sisters, will be greatly missed by Nancy (Russel), Janet (Ali), and Catherine; nieces, Gillian (Chris), Emily (Rob) and Penny; nephew, David (Julie), great nephews and nieces, Reggie, Eugenie, Eleanor and Arthur.

Ginny faced her challenges with a fierce determination to live independently and in her own way. She made strong connections with special friends, and her telephone and TV were her social media.

She was a unique social butterfly making long-standing and close friendships including her bowling buddies, Barb and Bing, with whom she travelled on many memorable trips to Graceland (as a true-blue Elvis fan), Duluth, and casinos. She was active in Thunder Bay's vintage social clubs, including membership at the Moose Lodge. Bingo was a big part of her life; Lady Luck smiled on Ginny and she won plenty of prizes!

Over the years, Ginny made many wonderful and supportive friends as a member of the United Church. Her connection with the church was strong and this community enriched her life.

Thunder Bay was Ginny's home and she knew it from Current River to Westfort. You could count on Ginny for directions; she never needed GPS. Her early years were spent in Current River until the family moved to Algoma Street. In 1975, Ginny married and moved to Westfort. This is where her bowling career began, and she loved getting dressed up for the annual bowling Roll-off and Banquet. She enjoyed laughter, teasing and joking around; family and friends had lovable nicknames for her (Ginny-Pini-Piringuini).

Ginny also enjoyed travels to Red Lake and Southern Ontario to celebrate holidays and special occasions, especially Christmas, Easter and Birthdays! She was embraced by a group of warm and caring friends in Red Lake that she called "The Gang".

In later years, she continued to live a sociable and independent life at Chartwell Isabella and Sister Leila Greco residences. A heartfelt thank you to all resident friends, staff, PSWs, her physician, and paramedics. You all offered kindness, comfort, and fun with every visit. Our deepest gratitude to dedicated and compassionate medical staff at Thunder Bay RHSC, whose care at the end of her life meant a great deal.

We are all going to miss you, Ginny-Pooh.
A funeral service will be held on Saturday, January 3, 2026 at 11:00 am at First-Wesley United Church, 130 Brodie Street North. Visitation begins one hour prior. Following the service, a reception will be held at Jenkens Funeral Home, 226 S. Syndicate Avenue. A private family interment will be held at a later date at Sunset Memorial Gardens.

Should friends so desire, memorial donations can be made to First-Wesley United Church.

Online condolences may be offered at: www.jenkens-funeral.ca