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Virginia Proud Obituary
Virginia Beach - Virginia K. Proud "Ginny", 68, passed away on Monday July 15, 2013 in the company of her family after a brave fight with multiple myeloma. Ginny was born in Flourtown, Pennsylvania, and moved to Virginia Beach in 1996 with her husband Ken to be near the ocean. She had an extremely busy and prolific career as a physician, and worked as a Clinical Geneticist at The Children's Hospital of the King's Daughters. She showed amazing determination, drive, intellect, and compassion in the care of all of her patients. She could examine a baby without making them cry, showed untiring scientific curiosity and love of learning, was a skilled and gifted teacher, and has been a mentor to many women in medicine. At home she found great joy in roller blading along the Virginia Beach boardwalk, which she did even up until two months ago. She also spent many hours outdoors with her husband Ken riding bikes, hiking along the beach with her adopted geriatric Irish setters, and had just acquired a sea kayak which she did not have a chance to test drive before her passing. She was a beacon of energy and strength for her family, and is survived by her husband Ken, her daughter Laura and her husband Philip, her son Mark and his wife Crystal, and her grandson Huntley. She will be dearly missed. In lieu of flowers, please send donations to the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute for research into multiple myeloma. An informal memorial gathering will be held at the amphitheater on the bay side at First Landing State Park on Shore Drive in Virginia Beach at 7 p.m. on Friday July 19. Any thoughts on Ginny's life and legacy will be welcome to be shared at that time.
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Memories and Condolences
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Jaimie Chandler
July 12, 2025
Dr. Proud will always be a positive light in our family. She successfully diagnosed a 6 month old, little girl with a rare genetic condition. My baby had Tetrasomy and was one of 60 or so in the world with it! Because of her loving care, that young lady is now 28 and very sucessful! We miss you and love you. My daughter is Amanda and because of Dr. Proud, she is doing great things!
Brenda Dalton and Family
July 13, 2024
Please know that incomparable cherished memories of Dr. Proud are etched in our hearts forever. She was my grandson's geneticist. He is now 19. Only superlatives come to mind when describing her...the best physician ever, rhe greatest with her patients. My family loved her, and we felt this love was reciprocated. She continues to be sorely missed...gone but never forgotten!!
Brenda Dalton
July 12, 2021
Dr. Proud was truly a very loving, caring and fantastic physician. We were privileged to have her care for our child at CHKD. GOD'S hands are the BEST HANDS and Dr. Proud's hands were next when it came to the care of a child. We loved her and will miss her. She will forever hold a special place in our hearts!
Diana Dills
May 2, 2016
Ken
The women of the UVA medical school class of 1976 just learned of Ginny's passing at our 40th class reunion in Charlottesville this weekend. There were just seven women in our class and four, Cyndee, Pat, Martha and I were there. She was dearly missed. She sounds like she was a wonderful doctor and as a MD and geneticist in the vanguard for women. We were all so sorry to hear of her passing.
Jaimie Chandler
September 9, 2015
Dr. Proud saved my daughter's life. Because of her care and diagnosis, my daughter is not a very ill 6 month old, but an 18 year old high school senior! We will always be eternally greatful! She was an awesome doctor but an even better friend! My condolences and gratitude-I just found out today.
ELMER (COUSIN) PENCE
December 3, 2014
GINNY WAS SO SORRYN TO HEAR OF YOUR PASSING. YOU AND DICK WERE LIKE FAMILY TO ME.
ELMER PENCE STHS 1961
BEACH HAVEN NJ
Bree Cook
September 5, 2014
Saddened to know she has passed away. I'm actually watching her on Discovery Fit and Health tv show Mystery Diagnosis.
Trina
May 29, 2014
I just heard about Dr. Proud's passing, and I feel so bad that it took almost a year before finding out. I worked in Dr. Proud's office for 3 years, and found her to be a very caring and compassionate person and physician. She has definitely left a great void in the lives of any and all that knew her. I thank God for having had the opportunity to know and love one of His Beautiful Angels.
Gone but never forgotten!!!
Elizabeth Otto
February 14, 2014
Ken - I was so surprised and saddened to read about Ginny. She was so full of joy and life. Our times together in Columbia, MO were good. No matter how busy she was, she always had time to discuss a patient with me or answer specific questions about a diagnosis. Two things I remember most are; her office was a series of piles, but she always seemed to know where everything was and the other was her infectious laugh. She was a good friend to me during her time in Columbia. So very sorry she is gone. My hearfelt condolences to you and your family.
Judith Miles
November 13, 2013
Ken, I was so saddened by Ginny's very premature passing. I have such warm memories of our genetics life in Missouri. Ginny, could get more charts dictated on our trips back from outreach clinics while the rest of us were putting them off. I particularly recall how determined she always was to figure out the diagnosis for families and kept looking till she did. If it was something new she reported the disorder in the literature and advanced the whole field. And Ken, she couldn't have done it all without your support and hands on help. You were our go-to slide maker. Bet you celebrated when PowerPoint came along! Ginny has left a legacy of compassion, good will and excellence in Pediatrics and most important her beautiful children and family. Judy
Laura Heisler
September 18, 2013
I learned of Dr. Proud's passing today, so that is why I am now writing to say how sad I am for your family.
Our daughter, Suzanne, was a patient of Dr. Proud's years ago. Out of the eight doctors she had during her 21 month long life, Dr. Proud is closest in my heart. She treated Suzanne with such dignity and tenderness it delighted me as her mom. She showed excitement in any and all progress Suzanne displayed which encouraged me as her parent.
After Suzanne passed, I had the pleasure of bumping into her on several occasions. She remembered our family and asked how we were doing. One time I saw her with her husband biking on the boardwalk at Grommet Island as we were all stopping our bikes there. Fond memories...
Please know that I am praying for solace and comfort for your family as you miss your dear loved one.
May the Lord keep you close.
Laura Heisler
Kris S
August 10, 2013
We will never forget how Dr. Proud has helped our family by not only finding our diagnosis of a rare Genetic disorder, but helped us get connected with other specialists who would help to save and improve our lives. I am so sorry to hear that Dr. Proud has passed away. My condolences and prayers go out to her family & those close to her. She made her mark on this world, & I am thankful to have been blessed by her.
Wendy White
August 8, 2013
Dr. Proud was my son who has Down Syndroms Dr. She was so amazing with him and she would spend so much time with us answering any questions we had. We were worried about his development and she told us not to worry he was a watcher, and she was right. When it seems like he isn't making and strides all of a sudden he will start doing new like he had been doing it forever. But the thing that still amazes me and stands out is on one visit my son was getting fussy and Dr. Proud took his hand and blew on it and he settled right down. I am sorry for your loss of a very amazing women.
Mary Phillips
August 7, 2013
My son Jackson was a patient of Dr. Proud's. She was always so glad to see him at appointments and wanted to know what he was doing. She will be greatly missed and thank you for sharing her with us.
Eric Schmitt
August 5, 2013
Dear Ken, Laura, and Mark
I was so sorry to learn of your loss. I learned so much from Dr Proud and greatly admired her abilities. She certainly made her mark on the world and touched those who had the good fortune to know her. I too will miss her and all that she did for me.
With both sorrow and fond memories,
Eric
August 4, 2013
So very sad to hear of Dr. Proud's passing. She treated my two children and did a wonderful job doing so. she was so caring and warm. My deepest condolences to her family, friends, and co-workers.
Michelle Bergeron
August 2, 2013
Dr. Proud was an amazing doctor, she loved our son Terry. She was very sweet and gentle with him. She did not know much about Trisomy 12 but told us "we wont say what Terry can or can not do, we will let Terry show us what he can and will do!" Because of her I learned not to set limits for Terry but let him go as far as he can! I am so sorry to hear of her passing, we loved her!
July 31, 2013
As many other families have already expressed, we too feel so grateful and blessed to have had Dr Proud care for our daughter. She was always so gentle and warm with her, instantly easing any anxieties. Please accept our sincere condolences. May time turn your tears into laughter whenever you think of her...
Lauren D's mom
July 29, 2013
My family and I send our deepest condolences. My daughter was a patient of Dr. Proud. She was such a dear, gentle soul. Though my daughter has severe anxiety when being examined by a doctor, she would ask for Dr. Proud. We have lost an angel on earth but gained an exceptional angel in heaven. - Lauren D's mom
Anonymous
July 27, 2013
Our daughter was our miracle baby, the baby we never thought we would have. Then we had the horrible realization that something was seriously wrong and no one knew what. That is when Dr. Proud stepped into our lives, shedding light on our daughter's conditions. She showed tremendous compassion and care along with her medical expertise. I want her family to know that our daughter is a happy, healthy, flourishing child. We are so grateful for every minute Dr. Proud took to help sort out our complicated little girl.I am sure that there are countless other children whose parents feel the same way.
Anonymous
July 26, 2013
There is nothing like having your miracle, long awaited baby and then realizing something is terribly wrong with her. Perhaps the only thing worse is when none of the doctors know what is wrong either. That was our family. Dr. Proud stepped in with her humble, astute, compassionate care. She cared deeply for our daughter and took all the time we needed to discuss and pick apart our daughter's symptoms. She knew how to examine babies gently without startling them. Her words, "She will tell what she needs," made us laugh but proved very true.
She will be greatly missed. Thank you to her family for sharing Dr. Proud with so many families. I am forever thankful for her care and to have known her unique touch.
July 26, 2013
Your loved one was a gift to us and to our son. Her work and love for the children she helped will not be forgotten. We will miss her very much.
Sharla M.
July 24, 2013
Dr. Proud you will truly be missed. You could see her passion for genetics and the love for her patients. I'm glad to have had the pleasure of working with her at CHKD.
Audrey Greene
July 23, 2013
I had the privilege to interact with Dr. Proud when I was employed by the Virginia Department of Health/Newborn Screening Program. Dr. Proud was the genetic consultant for the Hampton Roads, Virginia area. She =was instrumental in identifying and treating many children who were diagnosed with genetic disorders. She left a medical legacy and I am sure that she is instrumental in preparing someone to carry on her beloved work. God bless the family of Dr. Proud and know that your beloved has touched many lives.
Morag McDougall
July 23, 2013
Dear Ken and family, I'm sooo sorry to hear this! Ginny was such a dear person and a wonderful Doctor! She will be missed greatly in the medical world!
Patricia Howard-Peebles
July 22, 2013
Ginny was a fellow geneticist and friend. She will be missed. My prayers are with her family at this time.
Kim Utter
July 22, 2013
Dr. Proud was a compassionate dedicated doctor. She took a special interest in each of her patients and went above in beyond in her care for them. She will be greatly missed.
A. Dalton
July 21, 2013
Dr. Proud was more than a doctor to her patients; she was someone who genuinely cared about each child's full development and well-being. She treated my son with love and special attention, so warm and obliging. Dr. Proud will be sorely missed by everyone, and I count it a privilege to have been associated with her. She was a real jewel. My sincerest condolences are extended to her family. May God continue to give them comfort and peace.
Linda Bodder
July 20, 2013
I would first like to express my condolences to Dr Proud's family.I am truly sorry for your loss.There are so many children who owe so much to her.One of those is my granddaughter Lauren Ott.Dr Proud was there for her at a timeso crucial.Lauren was diagnosed with LCHADD, a fatty acid oxydation disorder, as a newborn.It's doctors like Dr Proud, who pioneered newborn screening, that saved Lauren's life.She helped my daughter Candise, Lauren's mother to make medical decisions, for Lauren.Dr Proud is and always will be, the hallmark, by which Lauren's geneticists are measured.She may have been a little woman, but those are mighty big shoes to fill.Upon learning of her passing, my daughter cried the entire day, as did my son-in-law.Sorry for being so verbose, but felt you'd want to know.
July 20, 2013
To the family of Dr. Proud,
We are so sorry for your loss! Dr. Proud was such a terrific and caring doctor to my children for the last 12 years. She will truly be missed.
Chris, Josie and Henry Voter
Paula Mix-Denomme
July 20, 2013
Dr. Proud was my son's favorite Doctor when he got diagnosed with Marfan's Syndrom. He was especially proud when she was on Mystery Diagnosis to be able to say he knew and loved her. Our Hearts to out to her family, friends, patients, and to anyone who life she touched. She will be greatly missed.
Deborah Williford
July 20, 2013
Dr. Proud was a great Dr. She was my sons Genetecist since he was a baby, and he is 11 now.
My granddaughter was also seen at the clinic there in tne fall. I am very saddened to hear of her passing ! I also wish I had seen this yesterday morning as was camping at First Landing State Park with family, and definately would of liked to of attended the memorial service.
Norlaine &Michael romano
July 19, 2013
Our deepest sympathies to the family on the passing of Ginny.
Ellen Sarar
July 19, 2013
Dr. Proud was an amazing doctor who took great care with my children. You will be missed. My prayers go out to you and your family.
Dana Karstensen-Bryan
July 19, 2013
Dr Proud was a blessing to my family after my son's VLCADD diagnosis. Her passing will be felt by the many families she cared for. We will miss her greatly and I cannot fully express how much she has meant to me personally.
July 19, 2013
We are deeply saddened by Ginny's passing.
Bob & Gail Broadbent
Kara Thomas Morgan
July 19, 2013
I had the pleasure and honor of working closely with Dr. Proud for many years at CHKD. She taught me so much, and her influence and guidance will shape my approach to patient care for the rest of my career. May you be at peace, VKP. You are deeply missed.
Dawn Baker
July 19, 2013
My heart is sad. I will never forget her passion for the welfare of my son. She was the sweetest soul, and bedside manner as a doctor was the best. May comfort surround the family. ((Hugs))
The Geddis Family
July 19, 2013
I'm am so sad to hear this. Dr.Proud was brilliant and so caring. We had been seeing her at CHKD since my daughter was 1 and she is now 4. She will be so missed and I thank God for her bc if it was for her and her amazing team we wouldn't have discovered my daughters syndrome a few months ago. My thoughts are with her family.
July 19, 2013
Dear Laura, Phil and the Proud family,
We are deeply saddened by your loss. Our deepest sympathies. We love you guys. The Wamhoff's
Rev. Marlo Dean
July 19, 2013
To the family of Dr. Proud, may you take comfort in knowing that she is now with the Lord. She touched the lives of my son, Dante' and me in a very special way through CHKD... We will truly miss her. She was God's beautiful bud who is now a beautiful flower.
Wenda Bransford
July 18, 2013
We were so deeply saddened to hear about Dr. Proud's passing. She was an amazing person who sincerely cared for her patients. When our son was 13, she diagnosed him with a rare genetic disease. Even though he is now an adult, she continued to see him. Not only did she take care of our son, she would also ask how we were doing. It was so comforting to know she was a phone call, text, or email away. Our most heartfelt sympathies go out to her husband, children, and colleagues. We loved her and will always thank her for saving our son's life. It is truly hard to imagine a world without Dr. Proud in it.
July 18, 2013
What a wonderful, kind soul... And so bright and articulate. You are now with our dear Reid. I know he will welcome you with love, just like the way you treated him and everyone else. Love the Hargrave family
Nicole Safina MD
July 18, 2013
As a former genetic colleague who worked closely with her at CHKD, I am deeply saddened to hear about her passing. Condolences to her husband Ken, family, friends and CHKD colleagues during this difficult time.
July 18, 2013
To Mark & Crystal, Mr. Proud and Mark's sister, brother & law and nephew:
Our hearts are with you as you reconcile Virginia's passing. As you learn to live without her physical presence, her spiritual presence will remain and forever be with you all. Her love, dignity, resiliance, and perseverance have had a butterfly effect to all lives she has touched. We send our love and hope you will draw support from all that offer. We are here anytime, anywhere, forever... as your extended family, dear hearts.
The Quinns of Williamsburg, Charlotte, Corolla, Endicott
Toni Starling
July 18, 2013
I am so deeply saddened to see this! Dr. Proud was amazing and very kind. She will be missed.
July 18, 2013
Ginny always displayed humility and graciousness. She demonstrated a quiet strength demeanor that will be missed. Truly a gentle giant in the field.
Luther K Robinson
Buffalo, New York
Janet Kass
July 18, 2013
I had the privilege of knowing Dr. Proud beginning with her days as a Fellow at MCV and coming to EVMS before "we" had a clinical Genetics program. It was my pleasure working for her at CHKD and becoming friends. Her kindness, energy and easy smile will be missed. She was so proud of kids and their accomplishments. It was always so great catching up with her even if just by email for the past 18 months. My sincerest sympathies to Ken and the family.
Angie Hardin
July 18, 2013
Dr. Proud will definitely be missed. We had the pleasure of having an appointment with her 15 years ago. She is the one that really started the ball rolling to get my daughter diagnosed with a rare disorder. Dr. Proud you officially have your wings. Thank you for all you did to help our family. You will be missed.
Stephanie Roberts
July 18, 2013
As a nurse at CHKD for almost 20 years I have had the pleasure and honor of working with Dr. Proud. She was an exceptional woman and will be missed greatly! My thoughts and prayers are with her family at this time!
Wendy DiNonno
July 18, 2013
Dr. Proud was a wonderful person and an extremely caring physician. Patients adored her and I feel lucky to have worked with her for the past 12 years. When I moved to Virginia right out of my genetic counseling program, Ginny took me right under her wing and help to guide me. She will be greatly missed. My prayers are with her husband, children, and grandson.
Art Aylsworth
July 18, 2013
Ginny was a lovely person and a valued colleague. I will miss our annual visits with her at the Smith Workshop and the occasional phone calls in between. We send our deepest sympathies to her family at home and her colleagues at the medical center.
July 18, 2013
I loved Ginny Proud and enjoyed her participation in the David Smith Meeting for so many many years! Her work was wonderful and I always looked forward to talking with her during the meetings!
Ginny will always be remembered by all those whose lives she touched.
With remembrance,
Mike Cohen
Professor Emeritus of Pediatrics
Dalhousie University
William Wilson
July 18, 2013
Ginny was a fine geneticist and a great advocate for her patients and for delivering care of the highest quality. It was an honor to have her as a colleague and friend. She set a high standard for us all.
Mary Beth Donner
July 18, 2013
As an RN @ CHKD for more than 10 years, I was fortunate to have known Dr. Proud. There is a place in Heaven made just for her.
Marilyn Reininger, RN
July 18, 2013
My sympathy to you, Ken, and your family. Dr. Proud was such a wonderful, caring physician! She was instrumental in advancing the VA Newborn Screening program, and I had the privilege of working with her at CHKD for a number of years. God bless each of you. She will be missed.
Diane Graham
July 18, 2013
Ryan Poteet and myself were very sad to hear of her passing. Dr Proud was our angel on her. Her passion and drive was the strength she gave us in first diagnosis then guiding us thru treatment for Ryan's Hadju-Cheney Syndrome. Wish we could attend the service but we are out of town. Like I said, she was our angel on Earth now she's our angel in Heaven. She will be dearly missed.
Katherine Murray
July 18, 2013
I LOVED Dr. Proud and will miss seeing her at CHKD. I had to laugh every time she got a new “toy” for her computer... it was always a challenge to get it working for her. When I think of Dr. Proud I think of her mischievous smile, her gratitude, her sense of humor and her “I can do anything” attitude. I also think of her love for her dogs and her drive to help everyone around her, whether patients, parents or employees. Dr. Proud, you are greatly missed.
Samantha Vergano
July 18, 2013
I had the privilege of working with and learning from Dr. Proud for just under a year - but I am thankful for every moment. Above all, she reinforced what I have been taught for many years: that physicians must love their patients as themselves. VKP, I miss you so much.
July 18, 2013
CHKD has lost another monumental clinician, teacher, and friend. Dr. Proud touched the lives of so many families, medical students, residents and faculty because for the longest time she was the only one who we could turn to for expertise in pediatric genetics.
I always appreciated her one on one teaching moments. I will miss consulting her and repeating labs over the phone two and three times just to make sure we got all labs at the same time in order to help make the diagnosis for her genetics patients.
I am deeply sorry for her family. I know the struggles you must have endured, having lost my own mother (54yo) to a similar blood cancer not to long ago.
Virginia's memory and spirit will live on in those she helped educate.
Ken, Jeff and I loved the friendship we formed and we are here for you in any way you may need us.
With love,
Jeff, Noelle, Sophia, and Penelope
Rachel Walsh
July 18, 2013
Dr Proud was an amazing physican. She will be greatly missed. My heart goes out to all of her family.
Emily Bardeen
July 18, 2013
I am Katie Langley's mom. Although I only met Dr. Proud a few times, I feel I know her a little through Katie. She was an amazing physician and a wonderful mentor, teacher and friend to our daughter. My condolences to you on your loss. Emily
Bruce Boller
July 18, 2013
My heart goes out to you and your family Ken. She was an amazing caring person who I always thought had the most interesting proffesion being in pediactric genetics. She will be missed. Prayers to you and the family.
Kathy Cassada
July 17, 2013
Doctor Proud will truly be missed. She was not just my grand daughters physician but a friend for 16 years. Always there to answer all questions making sure we all understood. We will all miss her. Peace to all. Bill and Kathy Cassada
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