VIRGINIA GERMOND

Virginia H. Germond

Virginia, H. "Ginny" Germond, 95, a longtime resident of the Kennett Square Area, died suddenly on 14 May, 2010, at her home in Washington DC.

Ginny was remarkably active, refusing to succumb to wheel chair locomotion. An only child, beautiful girl, was ushered into life by an older couple in a farming town: a veritable "Rural Retreat" nestled in the Blue Ridge Mountains of southwestern Virginia. Not to be left only a farm girl, she was encouraged by the exemplary rearing of her learned parents, aunts and uncles. The only lawyer in town, her father garnered his main living from the large farm that he ran. Her uncles and aunts, a doctor, minister, farmer, and teachers were all college educated and farmers. From this background Ginny gained a deep and abiding appreciation of thrift, nature, life, hard work, and education. Graduating from Lenoir-Rhyne College in 1936, she pursued a master's degree and taught school in one of the most recalcitrant US school districts: Ivanhoe, VA. She met the "love of her life" and began a 58 year marital odyssey with Earl G. Germond.

She was determined that her three children, Sally (Hudson), Fred, and Barbara (Farishian) would have a college education and more. That tradition is continued by her five grandchildren, Hilary H. Hudson (Master of Education), Whitney M. Hudson (Master of Architecture), Chad D. Hudson (Master of Engineering), Deanna G. Farishian (Master of Education), Ryan R. Farishian (Bachelor of Science in Business/Music Industries/Graphic Design). It was her fervent hope that her great-grandsons, David R. Loder, and Benjamin C. Loder, will exhibit the same thirst for knowledge. She also leaves behind a son-in law, Richard A. Farishian and a grandson-in-law, Robert C. Loder.

In 1951, in search of better life opportunities for her family, Ginny and Earl moved to Seaford, DE, where all of the children started school. By 1956 Earl was offered advancement in Wilmington, DE. They moved to Mendenhall, PA, enrolling the kids in Kennett Consolidated School. Ginny substituted at Kennett, and then took a full time position as Librarian at Tatnall School, Wilmington, DE. She continued her master's work, became involved in community and church affairs, and provided live-in health care for her mother for 20 years. She teamed with Dr. Leonard Kanofsky and Paul Simpers to launch The Kennett Area Senior Center, the first initiative in the area. Its first director, she served in that capacity for 20 years.

Ginny enjoyed many extracurricular activities as well: she regaled family and friends in wondrous ski trips to New England, the European Alps and the Rocky Mountains. Another of their great adventures and educational opportunities came as they traveled throughout Poland and Germany with their good friend and mentor, Dr. Claude Foster, visiting monasteries, living among the monks, learning and understanding the countryside hardships that led to some of the upheavals during the later part of the Nineteenth Century and the advent of the Twentieth Century.

In 1990 Ginny and Earl retired to White Horse Village in Newtown Square, PA, where they were residents for 19 years. True to her gardening instinct, Ginny helped the Harvester's Gardening Club turn the wind-burned clayed-hill land of White Horse Village into fertile loam to produce the abundance of Natures' Bounty, improving life for their new community and providing fresh flowers, vegetables, exercise, and fresh air beauty for the residents. The Club also turned donations toward a scholarship fund, creating more opportunities to help the staff of White Horse Village to meet their own educational goals. Ginny and Earl nurtured their new friends and neighbors, taxiing to doctors' appointments, pizza and poker nights, and continued involvement in the welfare and governance of their new community. Many friends and neighbors, as well as brand new acquaintances, received her sun-kissed generosity from her well kept gardens. She had a knack for developing friendships, charming her listeners with her quick wit, an oddly turned phrase, and "down home" humor.

Earl's prolonged battle with cancer was a test of Ginny's strength and determination. Throughout the eight year ordeal, though, Ginny was the strength of his salvation, providing the motivation and nurture he needed to persevere and enjoy his family, life, and hobbies with his grandchildren and friends. After his death in 2001, Ginny remained active at White Horse Village, gardening and social life.

In 2009 she decided that she needed to be closer to her children and moved to Washington, DC, accompanied by her loyal nurse companion, Mamayan. She captivated all with whom she met by her quick wit, friendly, selfless approach and her sense of humor. Her home at The Towers with its expansive gardens was a great comfort in fall, blustery winter snows, or flowering spring sweetness as she and Mamayan walked and explored extensively The Park, Washington, and the gardens. Their welcomed daily ritual, though, did not occur without some taxing of Mamayan's constitution!

Memorial service will be held at the Presbyterian Church of Kennett Square, 211 S. Broad St., Kennett Square, PA 19348, on Saturday, May 22, at 1 pm.

In lieu of flowers the family requests memorial donations to: The Presbyterian Church of Kennett Square, 211 South Broad Street, Kennett Square, PA 19348, dedicated to the spreading of the Good News Of Christ and outreach of time and talent to Help others in need; or SABARI Women's Group, 4201 Cathedral Avenue, Suite #109W Washington, DC 20016, dedicated to the promotion of health, prenatal health, and sanitation of the western African communities while trying to educate the women about their own health and that of their children.