Virginia Nurco

Virginia Yardley Nurco (née Prettyman), age 92, passed away peacefully on April 25, 2025, in Bellingham, Washington. She died in her home with daughter and son, Jacqueline and Joseph, at her side.

Born February 7, 1933 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, Virginia's life was shaped deeply by her devotion to family and caring for animals. In her earliest years she lived by the water in Delaware and then moved onto a horse farm in Pennsylvania. As a young girl she was an accomplished fearless horse rider, riding bareback and bridle-less much of the time. Life on the farm was grand for Ginny and her younger brother John. From a young age she also found joy and freedom in swimming - an activity that would later become a vocation as lifeguard and swimming instructor at the JCC and Oregon Ridge Park in Baltimore, Maryland. She inspired confidence in many of her swimming students through the years including handicapped students. Her deep connection to the water extended beyond swimming. After raising four children in Baltimore, she and her husband David bought their first sailboat and moved to Annapolis. She loved sailing and she and David spent much of their free time sailing around the Chesapeake Bay. She continued sailing after David transitioned and eventually met up with another sailor, Bruce, who would sail to Belize every winter. She was all in on that and they had a splendid two years adventuring and working on his big sailboat until he also transitioned. He left the boat to her and she kept it in top shape for many years, her beloved project.

Virginia was named after her Great Aunt Virginia Yardley. The most beloved place of both Virginias was the family cottage near the beach in Rehoboth Beach, Delaware where Ginny went every summer. Time there was much cherished.

In addition to her devotion and service to her family she consistently maintained an active life with a variety of interests. In addition to teaching swimming, she volunteered with the Mount Washington Improvement Association including some years as president. She also managed an office for Baltimore City Council Member Tom Waxter until moving to Annapolis where she worked and volunteered at the Anne Arundel Medical Center.

Ginny later moved to be near her daughter and son, Jackie and Joe, in Bellingham, Washington which was her home for the past 8 years. She lived in a house next door to the house where Jackie and Joe live. Her nurturing soul and steadfast presence will always be remembered and appreciated.

She is lovingly remembered by her children: Joseph Nurco, Jacqueline Orton, Michael Nurco, and Daniel Nurco; her grandchildren: Lucas Orton, Jesse Orton, and Madelynn Schreckengost; and her great-granddaughters: Trinity Ayrie Orton and Soulera Orton. She also leaves behind her siblings John Prettyman and Yardley Prettyman; nieces Allison Prettyman and Susan Pinco; and nephew David Prettyman.

Virginia was preceded in death by her husbands David Nurco and Bruce Rankin; her sister-in-law Sybil Lisanski; and other beloved family members.

Her memory will live on through those who knew her best - through stories shared at the water's edge, through the lessons passed down from one generation to the next, and through every moment spent appreciating nature's quiet beauty.

Thank you Virginia. We love you.

Her family is working on a virtual memorial service the details of which are to be announced.