Virginia Pace

Virginia Pace passed away peacefully on December 5, 2025 at home surrounded by her family.
Virginia VanDerwerker (Ginny) was born on May 28, 1931 to Ralph J. and Priscilla VanDerwerker in New Jersey. Raised in Westfield, with her younger sister (Val) and brother (Johnny), she enjoyed a wonderful childhood in a loving family. They moved to MD in her teens and shortly afterwards, she attended University of Maryland. Becoming a Tri Delta Sorority Sister was the core of her social life and some of these "sisters" became lifelong friends. It was at the Tri Delta House that she met her future husband, Jim Pace, as he worked as a food server (something he never did again after they were married). In 1953, Ginny graduated with a degree in Institutional Management which served as a basis for her focus on good nutrition throughout her life. In 1954, Ginny completed an internship with the American Dietetic Association and then embarked on her new, married life with Jim. This marriage lasted over 50 years and included adventures all over the world.
After a few years of working as a dietician at Sibley Hospital and the US Government Cafeteria, Ginny and Jim settled down and had two children in the late 1950's, Gary and Julie. She was a stay-at-home mom until her interest in substitute teaching led her to work part time in the classroom when her kids became school age. After her youngest went to college, Virginia (as she then became known) became a tour guide and worked with Guide Service of Washington for about 20 years. She accumulated a dedicated following and took these groups to various locations in the US and Europe. One of her proudest guiding accomplishments was when she was honored in 1997 by the Guild of Professional Tour Guides of Washington D.C. with the Sixth Annual Service Award. This obsession with traveling, learning, and experiencing other cultures lasted into her late 80's.
Virginia lived her entire adult life in the Silver Spring, MD area with a 17-year stint at Leisure World. Her volunteer gene surfaced about this time and she could be seen giving tours to visitors at the Kennedy Center, providing information to tourists at the Traveler Aide, ushering at Olney Theatre, ringing up sales at the local thrift shop, working with seniors to complete their income taxes through AARP, and as the president of her local Mutual in Leisure World. Virginia was an active member of the Colesville Presbyterian Church for over 50 years. In 2018, Virginia moved to Riderwood and participated in bridge games several days a week, even leading the Tuesday night group for over 5 years.
Virginia leaves behind her son Gary (wife Margaret), daughter Julie (husband Scott), granddaughter Maya, sister Val, sister-in-law Dianna, and numerous nieces and nephews. A Celebration of Life will be held in late January, date to be determined. Please contribution any donations to the Colesville Presbyterian Church.