Virginia M. Burnside

Virginia Mae "Ginny" Gilbert Burnside, 81, of Titusville, Pennsylvania, passed away peacefully on March 10, 2026, going home to be with her loving Creator, Lord Jesus Christ. She was born January 4, 1945, in Middletown, Connecticut, to her parents Frederick and Eleanor (Cashman) Gilbert.
Ginny spent her early years in Deep River, Connecticut. It was there that she met the love of her life, Wayne Eugene Burnside Sr., whom she affectionately referred to as "Bernard." Wayne had returned home after being discharged from the United States Marine Corps with her brother Fred. Ginny quickly swept Wayne off his feet, and just two weeks later the young couple eloped to Rye, New York, where a pastor officiated their marriage while his wife played the piano on December 15, 1964. Together they shared 62 wonderful years of marriage, building a life centered on love, faith, and family.
Ginny graduated from Valley Regional High School in Deep River, Connecticut, where she was an outstanding athlete, lettering in volleyball, basketball, and field hockey, and earning the Presidential Fitness Award. She also shared her musical talents by playing the accordion in the school band.
She had many passions throughout her life. Ginny enjoyed woodworking, cooking, doing crafts, and gardening, and she had a special love for animals. Many in the community fondly remember seeing her driving around town in her black Volkswagen Bug, a sight that became part of her signature charm. Above all, Ginny loved Jesus Christ and lived her life guided by her strong Christian faith. Her joyful personality often shone through in her favorite playful saying, "La La lalala la," which brought smiles to those around her.
Ginny attended the Wesleyan Methodist Church in Titusville, Pennsylvania.
Ginny is survived by her beloved husband, Wayne Eugene Burnside Sr.; her son Wayne Eugene Burnside Jr. (Marci); and her daughter Ginny Lynn Burnside Moody (Jon). She was a proud grandmother to Wayne Eugene Burnside III, Jacob Ross Burnside, Jon William Moody (Anna), and Ethan Ladd Moody (Amanda). She was a cherished great-grandmother to Elsie Lynn Moody, George Ladd Moody, and Chloe Nicole Moody. She is also lovingly remembered by her faithful dog Max and her two cats, Big Cat and Mama.
She was preceded in death by her parents, Frederick and Eleanor Gilbert; her sister Edith Ley; her brothers Frederick Irving Gilbert Jr. and John Monroe Gilbert; and her beloved daughter-in-law, Tina Marie Wright Burnside.
A private burial service will be held on Thursday, March 12, at Jerusalem Corners Cemetery, with Reverend Bennet officiating.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Venango County Humane Society, 289 South Main Street, Seneca, PA 16346, in Ginny's memory.