Virginia Ann "Jinny" Lavoie

SALEM-Virginia "Jinny" Ann Lavoie, 82 of Salem, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, May 21, 2025 at Salem Hospital surrounded by her loving family and friends.
Born in Salem, raised and lifelong resident of the "Willows"; Jinny was the daughter of the late Donald and Virginia "Ginny" (Soper) Lavoie. She was a graduate of Salem High School and continued her education at Salem Normal School where she received her bachelor's degree and her master's degree from Salem State College. Later she earned an honorary degree from Salem State University.
Miss Lavoie was an elementary teacher for 39 years, spanning her professional career between Bentley, Carlton and Witchcraft Heights schools. Jinny dedicated her career to educating children, a job she loved. She inspired generations of students and was truly happiest when in the classroom. Beyond education, Jinny was an avid volunteer. She was an active member of St. Peter's Episcopal Church, where she served as an Eucharistic Minister, was assistant treasurer and pledge secretary. Jinny was one of many who was part of the Cuddler Program at Salem Hospital where she spent countless hours holding, rocking and comforting babies in the special care nursery and spent time as a baby photographer. Jinny was on the Board of Woman's Friend Society, a member of Juniper Community Club and an active participant of the Willow's Neighborhood Association.
Jinny, Auntie, Nan, Auntie Cousin, Jinny Ann, was truly the matriarch of the family. Jinny never had children of her own but she never left a mouth unfed or a loved one unheard. She was the epitome of love and joy personified. Jinny had a way of making every person she met feel like family. Her world revolved around helping others and maintaining everlasting relationships. Jinny enjoyed hosting events, where she grilled by the pool, baked goods and whipped together enough meals to feed everyone. Weddings, baby showers and other milestone events would not be the same without Jinny's decorated cakes. Jinny will be forever remembered for her love of family, her generosity and kindness. She will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved her.
Survived by Jinny is her niece, Kimberley Row and her husband Chris of MD, her grandnephews Ryan Humphrey and his wife Kelsey of MD and Collin Humphrey and his wife Lauren of TX. Cousin Betty Ryan and her husband Mike of Salem, and their children Molly Ryan of Lynn, Melissa McBournie and her husband Cameron of Beverly and their daughters Elizabeth and Addison. Cousin Bev Wodarski and her husband Buddy of Peabody. Kitty Soper of Peabody. Her dear friends Barbara Robinson and the "Gal Pals" of 60 years. Her sister Donna Jones of NH. As well as countless family members, friends, and loved ones.
ARRANGEMENTS: Relatives and friends are invited attend Jinny's Funeral Mass which will be held at St. Peter's Episcopal Church, 24 St. Peter St., Salem on Tuesday, May 27th at 11 A.M. Visitation which will be held at O'Donnell Cremations – Funerals – Celebrations, 84 Washington Sq., (at Salem Common) SALEM on Monday, May 26th, 2025 from 4 PM to 7 PM. The family requests you wear your spring colors. A burial will be held at a later date. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Jinny's memory to St. Peter's Episcopal Church - https://www.stpeters-sanpedro.org/give, Salem Hospital Special Care Nursery – 81 Highland Ave. Salem, MA 01970 or at https://salemgiving.massgeneralbrigham.org/and The Juniper Community Club. To share a memory or offer a condolence, please visit www.odonnellfuneralservice.com
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