Virginia A. Waitkus Obituary
Virginia A. "Ginny" (Walsh) Waitkus, 90, of Rockport, passed away peacefully on Saturday, January 4th, 2025, at the Kaplan Family Hospice House in Danvers, surrounded by loved ones. She was the devoted wife of Paul G. Waitkus for 67 years.
Born in Cambridge on October 31, 1934, Ginny was the youngest of nine children to the late Thomas P and Helen (Coughlin) Walsh. She met Paul in sixth grade, and thanks to their alphabetical seating arrangement (Walsh/Waitkus), they sat next to each other throughout their school years. Their first date was on the night of their High School graduation.
Ginny was a proud graduate of Billerica High School and worked at Lincoln Labs as a keypunch operator. After marrying Paul, she devoted herself to raising their five children, and she remained deeply involved in their lives. She later returned to the workforce in the sales and marketing department at Gorton's of Gloucester, where she worked until her retirement.
Together, Ginny and Paul raised five children and were blessed with seven grandchildren and nine great-grandchildren. Ginny cherished the role of "Nana" and "Gigi" above all else, finding immense joy in attending her grandchildren's and great-grandchildren's activities, from sports games to musicals to graduations. She was a regular at Cape Hedge Beach and Pebble Beach, often taking walks with her beloved Scottie dog.
In addition to her husband, Paul, Ginny is survived by her children: Paul Waitkus Jr. and wife Carole Ann, Patricia McCormick, Nancy McNeill and husband Robert, Timothy Waitkus and companion Margaret Murphy, and Suzanne Waitkus and companion Joseph Balbo. She also leaves behind her cherished grandchildren: Jennifer Waitkus, Justin MacDowell (Caitlin), Caitlin Monahan, Ryan McNeill (Jennifer), Garrett McNeill (Catherine), Sarah Waitkus and Matthew McCormick and great grandchildren Fisher and Ella Jones; Henry, Timothy, Thomas, and Michael McNeill; Riley and Molly McNeill; and Margot MacDowell. Ginny is also survived by her sister-in-law, Carole Nickerson, and many nieces and nephews.
Her family will never forget the love she brought to their lives.
Her visiting hours will be held on Friday, January 10th from 9 to 10:30 a.m. in the Greely Funeral Home, 212 Washington Street, Gloucester. Her Funeral Mass will follow on Friday, at 11 a.m. at St. Joachim's Church, 56 Broadway, Rockport. Burial will be held in Beech Grove Cemetery.
Contributions may be made in Ginny's name to the Kaplan Family Hospice House, 78 Liberty Street, Danvers, MA., 01923.
