Ferne Mitchell McGinnis, a resident of Old Greenwich for 65 years, died peacefully on February 19 at the age of 96. Mrs. McGinnis was born on September 17, 1926 in Columbus, Ohio, and graduated from Ohio State University, magna cum laude; and she was a Delta Gamma sorority sister. During her formative years in Columbus, she was fortunate to study piano with a student of Wanda Landowska, the famed Polish harpsichordist. Mrs. McGinnis' favorite composer for the piano was Chopin. Her love of music remained with her throughout her life, and she was an enthusiastic supporter of the Greenwich Symphony Orchestra, which she knew as the Greenwich Philharmonia, in its early days.

After marrying, she moved to Greenwich and shortly thereafter to Old Greenwich, which enabled her husband, Robert, to pursue his chosen career of illustration. Her eye for fashion, color and design all influenced and contributed to her husband's success. Mrs. McGinnis was sharp-witted and convivial, a master of conversation, occasionally firing off a blunt and often amusing comment.
Never one to be idle, Mrs. McGinnis joined the Junior Woman's Club of Greenwich and became an editor of their magazine, The Link. Her interests in historical architecture, archeology and the Cos Cob Art Colony led her to volunteer at the Bush-Holley House as a docent. She was a member of Second Congregational Church and volunteered as a church schoolteacher, eventually going on to teach at the First Presbyterian Nursery School for 17 years. After retiring from teaching, she went on to become a talented floral designer and taught floral design at the Greenwich Botanical Center, having the perfect first name for a woman who loved flowers.

Her final creative achievement, which she pursued into her 80s, was to master the art of pastel painting, which resulted in a successful art show at the Greenwich Botanical Center with the title Barns & Boathouses.

She is survived by her husband, Robert, her daughters, Melinda and Laurie, her son, Kyle (or "Duke"), and three grandchildren. In lieu of flowers, we request that you do something kind for someone, and if you are so inclined, lift a glass of Champagne and say, "Well done, Ferne."

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Greenwich Sentinel from Mar. 6 to Mar. 12, 2023.

Memories and Condolences
for Ferne McGinnis

Sponsored by Leo P. Gallagher & Son Funeral Home - Greenwich.

7 Entries

Margie Bennett

March 6, 2023

My name is Margie Bennett and I worked for Thomas J. Glines, Ins. from the 1970´s until
"Chuck" Glines passed away in 1999.
We all used to look forward to Mrs. McGinnis´ visits.
She was always dressed colorfully and her red
hair and lovely smile were a pleasure.
We followed Mr. McGinnis´ many achievements.
I don´t think I knew Melinda or Kyle but I do remember you, Laurie.
My deepest sympathies to all.
A footnote.
I just read Joyce Henklein´s comments.
Her mother-in-law, Anne Henklein worked for the agency for years and retired shortly after I
came.
I hope Joyce might read this.

Anne Young

February 26, 2023

Ferne, part of a fantastic dynamic duo, was a wonderful neighbor. Our family was so lucky to enjoy their `back yard" presence for so many years. Each year, our parents were so touched by Ferne´s annual Christmas card. A lovely woman whose shared opinions were never in doubt. Wishing her family comfort and please accept our deepest condolences for your loss.
Anne and Mary Young

Peggy Engelhardt

February 26, 2023

Aunt Ferne had so many wonderful interests and characteristics. I have such fond memories of her welcoming the Engelhardts/Greenes/McGinnises for various vacations and Thanksgiving celebrations in Old Greenwich and Canada. She and the spouses of Uncle Bob´s siblings lovingly referred to themselves as "the outlaws". They all truly enjoyed their times together which always included some or all of her 17 nieces and nephews.
Well done, Aunt Ferne

Joe Flynn

February 26, 2023

To the McGinnis family,
Over the years I was fortunate to get to know Ferne quite well. I sincerely enjoyed her visits to our shop. We would often have conversations about flowers, gardening, the town, solving the issues of the world and this year's Ohio State-Michigan game. She was genuine, and always a lot of fun
Please know my thoughts are with all of you and I too will raise that glass of champagne in her honor.

E.Menegon

February 25, 2023

Thank you Ferne for noticing I needed glasses when I was 4 years old.

Jeff Waggaman

February 25, 2023

To the McGinnis Family,
I am so very sorry to hear of Fernes passing. I fondly remember of the times my mom and dad were involved with her, in CT Playmakers! My deepest sympathies to the family! Jeff Waggaman

Joyce Henklein

February 24, 2023

I became acquainted with Fern because our children were friends. In. Sept. 1995 I went to Bruce Museum to take a course about The Twelve Caesars and who was there but Fern. She was a pretty, funny, woman I moved to the Adirondacks with my daughter Gail twenty years ago, so I lost touch with The family. please accept my sincere wishes to the whole family, Im
Fern´s age too, our lives have been long and are to be celebrated!,!

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