Virginia Cretella Mars "Ginnie" of McLean, VA, passed away September 1, 2024 at age 94 after a short illness. She was surrounded by her family in her final days.

Born on March 15, 1930, in New Haven, CT, she graduated from Vassar College in 1951 with a Bachelor of Arts degree and teaching certification, and taught in the North Haven, CT, public schools from 1951-55 and then in New York City until 1956.

Vibrant, bright, curious, funny, gracious and caring, Ginnie brought energy and spirit to everything she did, and she stayed active throughout her life through her love of traveling, fishing, skiing, exercise, needlepoint, cooking and gardening. She derived great joy from spending time with her family and being involved in all aspects of their lives.

A passionate philanthropist and environmentalist, she founded the Virginia Cretella Mars Foundation in 1994 to support the arts, conservation and education. She strongly supported the work of the Washington National Cathedral, was a longtime supporter of the National Symphony Orchestra, the Smithsonian, the Kennedy Center, Lake Sunapee Protective Association and the Society for the Protection of New Hampshire Forests among many other organizations.

Ginnie's passion for education inspired the creation of the Virginia Mars School in Barro Prêto, Brazil to support quality education in the region. She also served on the board of Vassar College and on the board of trustees for Foxcroft School in Middleburg, VA.

Ginnie married Forrest E. Mars, Jr. in 1955. They were divorced in 1990. He preceded her in death in 2016. Ginnie is survived by her four daughters, Victoria (David), Pamela (Mark), Valerie (Philip) and Marijke (João), as well as 11 grandchildren and 10 great-grandchildren. She was greatly loved and will be sorely missed.

Friends and family are welcome to a Service of Christian Burial on Saturday, September 21, 2024, at 11 a.m. at Washington National Cathedral, 3101 Wisconsin Ave. NW, Washington, DC. Friends are invited to visit Joseph Gawler's Sons' website for further details on the service, condolences and remembrances. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in her honor to the Washington National Cathedral, the Lake Sunapee Protective Association or the Society for the Protection of New Hampshire Forests.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by The Washington Post on Sep. 15, 2024.

Memories and Condolences
for Virginia Mars

16 Entries

June

January 19, 2025

PAM, I don't know if it's you but did you live for any time on Ellicott Street NW DC? I was your next door neighbor if you did. I too went to VC. I always intended to get in touch with you again. My life was insular in those days. e mail me if you are interested. I am sorry for the loss of your Mother. When my Mother died, they rebuilt the entire home ....I hardly recognized its interior. there is more to be said.....June

Sympathy gifts were selected in loving memory of VIRGINIA MARS. To send a gift visit our online store.

Jean Nutile

Sent Sympathy Gifts including Flowers

Jean Nutile

September 21, 2024

I anticipated the arrival of cousin Ginny's "Christmas" letter in my Idaho mailbox every year, no matter when it arrived. Her compassion, curiosity,
commitment and simple
joie de vivre fairly leaped from the page. She has left
enormous shoes to fill! This
world is a better place
because of her. She will be
missed!

Bekah & Matt Rose

Planted Trees

Chris Fritz

September 15, 2024

My sincerest condolences to the Cretella Mars Family. Great neighbors and Virginia will certainly be missed.

Philadelphia Ballet

September 11, 2024

Sending love and condolences from the Philadelphia Ballet family.

Philadelphia Ballet

Sent Flowers

Phil Barboni

September 10, 2024

Virginia was my Godmother. I have many fond memories of her especially on my birthdays when she would visit, always with a gift, which was always a book. She would read parts to me in an effort to peak my interest...so sweet! I still have some of those books today, I guess my way of keeping a part of her with me forever. I visited her once in McLain when I was working in the area, we spoke occasionally on the phone for a time, then emailed only in her latter years. News of her passing brings back these memories, and tears to my eyes. She is in Gods hands now and I know we will rendezvous again in heaven.

Nicole Newman

September 10, 2024

I was deeply saddened to hear about the passing of Virginia Mae Cretella Mars. On behalf of our entire team, I want to express our heartfelt condolences to you and your family during this difficult time.

She was a remarkable individual whose unwavering generosity and commitment to the DC community, especially its youth, have left an indelible mark. Her philanthropy wasn't just about financial support; it was about creating opportunities and fostering hope. Through her vision and dedication, countless young people in DC have been empowered to pursue their dreams and build a brighter future.

The programs and initiatives that she championed will continue to impact lives for years to come. Her legacy of compassion, leadership, and dedication to the betterment of others will live on through the positive changes she helped inspire in our city.

We are forever grateful for her support. Please know that our thoughts are with you, and we are here if there is anything we can do to offer support during this time.

Karen & Bob Stockton

September 10, 2024

Our most heartfelt condolences to Virginia's family. We knew her as a wonderful neighbor on Lake Sunapee,N.H. and a terrific guest at our July 4th deck parties. She was always spirited and delightful company for all guests. Undoubtedly, she will share those beautiful qualities with her new Heavenly neighbors. Virginia, you will be missed but your legacy of kindness, compassion, and love of animals and nature has improved many lives and areas you called home in so many places. May God grant you the peace and joy that you shared with so many of us who were privileged to know and love you.
Karen & Bob Stockton

Nancy and Peter Keenan

September 10, 2024

We are so sad to learn of Virginia´s passing. She was our neighbor in Newbury and we had many fun conversations with her while she was walking her dog. We will miss her presence in the neighborhood. We send our sincere condolences to her family. We cherish wonderful memories of moments with her and hope your memories of happy times with her bring you peace. Nancy and Peter Keenan

Stan Akkermans

September 9, 2024

I had the privilege to enjoy lunch with Virginia laat year in Veghel. She was an extraordinary woman and has had a lasting impression on me.
I wish her daughters, family and friends love and strenght in the weeks ahead.

Dr David Reed

September 7, 2024

I had known Mrs Mars for almost 40 years as her optometrist. I was very fond of her as a patient and as a person who was very friendly and kind. I would run into her frequently in the grocery store in McLean and she would never fail to say hello and chat for a while. She was always interested in what you had to say.
I will miss seeing her.

Ellen and Kevin Connell

Planted Trees

Sandy Morse, cousine

September 7, 2024

I was the junior bridesmaid at Ginnie's wedding, I remember how beautiful she was... also spent a summer in Madison helping with her delightful girls.

Sandy Morse

September 7, 2024

I was the junior bridesmaid at Ginnie's wedding and spend a summer with her in Madison, babysitting for her beautiful children. She was always a beautiful lady with a spark that will be very missed. Sandy Morse, cousine

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