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Ginger Mandel Obituary
GINGER MACLEAN MANDEL
Ginger Maclean Mandel died Saturday, August 12, 2023 from complications during childbirth. Ginger is survived by her son, Harry Mandel, sister Salli Mandel, her mother Thorne Rankin, her father Jack Mandel and her stepmother Tina Eck, along with many cousins, uncles, aunts and grandfather, with whom Ginger remained very close throughout her life.
Ginger had a deep and joyful connection to the natural world; she described herself as happiest in the mountainsâ€" she hiked Boone Mountain in North Carolina and the Blue Ridge Mountains in Virginia. First in the water, last out, her cousins dubbed her "Queen of the Ocean" at Bethany Beach, and she relished sailing and paddling with cousins, swimming in the Cacapon River in West Virginia and picking blueberries with her grandmother in the Berkshires.
As an alumna of the Guilford College Sustainable Food Systems Program, Ginger combined her love of children and years of youth gardening experience to lead children in the Fox Run Elementary School in Norwalk Connecticut, creating vegetable and meditation gardens and making a loving and nurturing community there. Locally, Ginger was an enthusiastic contributor in the DC Natives program, building pollinator gardens throughout the city.
Ginger lived by a strong and abiding ethos of treating people with respect and kindness and she maintained strong bonds with childhood friends from the Edmund Burke and Lowell Schools as well as Guilford College. Ginger only accepted positivity and inclusivity; she lived her life surrounded by warm, loving, giving friends and family because she was the most powerful attractant for goodness and decency.
We will gather September 23, 2023, at 1 p.m., at Saint Margaret's Episcopal Church (where Ginger was baptized), 1830 Connecticut Avenue NW - to honor, pray for and continue to love Ginger Maclean Mandel.
In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations be made in memory of Ginger to The Humane Rescue Alliance or The Washington Youth Garden.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Ginger Mandel
Anne E Ainsworth
September 3, 2024
We fondly remember Ginger! Love to your family.
Anne and Emily Ainsworth, Ellen Kuiper
Deborah Jaffe
September 24, 2023
I am so sorry for your loss. My heart goes out to Jack, Tina, Salli and the rest of Ginger's family and friends. Sending all my love.
Anne Ainsworth
September 22, 2023
Emily, my mother, Ellen Kuiper and I are very sad to hear about Ginger's death. We remember her from Lowell School and the SCAP program at St. Columba's. She was a happy and accepting person. Our prayers are with her family and young son, Love to all. Anne Ainsworth
Mary Grace Rook
September 22, 2023
We had the joy of living next door to Thorne, Jack and their adorable girls, Ginger and Sally, for several years. Our daughter Morgan had her first babysitting job with the girls and would often play with them, and Spike, out in front of our houses. Ginger was a sweet and shy and truly adorable child. After Thorne and the girls moved, we didn´t see Ginger for a long time until a few years ago at her Mom´s house, and we had a lovely reconnection with her. Certainly she was less shy and chatted with us warmly...but still so lovely and sweet. Conor, Devon and Morgan join Al and I in holding Thorne, Jack and Salli in our hearts as they grieve their beautiful daughter and sister.
Janet Vincent
September 22, 2023
I knew Ginger at St. Columba´s in Washington, D.C. and after my departure we remained friends on FaceBook. I´m so very sorry to learn of her death and the sorrow it brings to all who love her. Prayers for all and especially for young Harry who will learn of his mother through stories, photos and the love of his family. Peace, The Rev. Janet Vincent
Alex Kramer
September 21, 2023
I saw Ginger more when she was a little kid than as an adult. She would give me a smile at a time when she wasn't giving out too many smiles. She would make me feel so good to get one. I am blessed to be a little part of her life. I want to just smile thinking of her and not the tragic shortness of her life. love
Leah Noonan
September 20, 2023
Thorne, Jack, Salli and Harry,
I knew Ginger for only a brief time, when she was a young child, at Lowell School. It was evident then that she was special so I´m not surprised to learn that she loved nature and demonstrated loving kindness throughout her life. Take care of each other and be gentle with yourselves. Sending all the love and light I can muster.
Leah Noonan
Leonel Popol
September 19, 2023
Our love and respect to Ginger and all her family.
The Popols
Emily Hourihan and Todd Magazine
September 11, 2023
Sending sympathy and love and support to all.
Orion Weiss
September 9, 2023
I remember how much I loved seeing Ginger since I first met her as a little one. I adored seeing every photo of her as she grew into an amazing young woman. Each interaction I got to have with her lifted my heart. I could feel the love and affection emanating from her and that always touched me deeply. I can't even imagine how very much she will be missed. Sending much love and profound condolences to her loving family.
Eileen Estes
September 9, 2023
Our hearts are aching for your family and the pain of this loss. Ginger was absolutely gorgeous inside and out. A truly unique person with a generous and joyful spirit - what a wonderful combination. I will do my best to resemble her. Sending love from our family to yours.
MARLA B.
September 8, 2023
I worked with Ginger at Fox Run Elementary in Norwalk, Ct. Such a sweet, kind and caring soul. I enjoyed our conversations nearly daily at the end of the day while waiting for the buses. A woman who spread positive energy and love with whomever she spoke. She will be greatly missed. Prayers to the family during this tender time.
Fondly,
Marla B.
Wendy Schiller
September 8, 2023
Bob and I send our deepest sympathies. Love never dies a physical death.
Wendy Schiller and Bob Kalunian
Barbara Farina & John Garrahan
September 7, 2023
Thorne and Salli,
I was devastated to hear this news. My heart breaks for you. No parent should have to endure this heart ache. I hope in time you both will find peace and joy in the gift she left for you, little Harry.
My deepest condolences.
Barbara Farina and John Garrahan.
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