It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of our mom Virginia Irwin (nee Vaughan) on October 1, 2024. Beloved mother of Jayne (David), Ann-Marie (Daron) and Karen (Greg). Proud grandma of Maggie, Beth, Brendan, Kurtis, and Emma. She was predeceased by her sisters Edith Hallas and Gloria Vaughan and will be sadly missed by her brothers and sisters Harry Vaughan, Shirley Senick (Ron), Norman Vaughan (Catharine), Roger Vaughan (Brenda) and Mary Spencer (Ron), and all her nieces, nephews, and cousins.
Virginia, better known as Ginny, was born on Dec 4, 1942, to Donald and Marie Vaughan (Stickle) and was the eldest daughter of eight brothers and sisters growing up on their dairy farm in Wellandport Ontario. She had a love of sports and played baseball, hockey, and basketball, was active in cheerleading and enjoyed all the functions of the young peoples group. She studied nursing and practiced as a registered nurse (maternity) in Hamilton, Kitchener, Sorel and Ottawa, and later with the VON in Hamilton.
Mom was an avid knitter, always working on a project. She kept us all clothed over the years with scarves, mittens, and hats, but her specialty was sweaters. We think
she must have knit at least 50 sweaters for family members, and then more for fundraisers.
Mom lived in many wonderful cities over the years, and made friends wherever she went, but nothing brought her happiness like being back home to the Niagara Region close to her family. She was a wonderful musician and shared that talent playing the piano at her beloved Elcho United Church over the years with her family and congregation. In recent years, she enjoyed the services and activities at Linden Park Community United Church.
Mom’s determination and love of her family were her source of strength for her battle with kidney disease over the last 30 years. She was inspirational. Always moving forward, helping at any opportunity, and never complaining. She was always cheering from the sidelines for all our activities, and in more recent years at the ball diamonds, soccer fields, and rinks for her grandchildren. Nothing made her happier than spending time or hearing stories of anyone in her family, especially her grandchildren.
Cremation has taken place and a celebration of life will take place in April 2025. Special thanks to the Seasons in Stoney Creek, and the renal unit at St. Joseph’s Hospital for taking such good care of mom over the years, and both the Hamilton General and St. Peters Hospitals for their care in her final days. In lieu of flowers, a donation to the Lions Camp Dorset (lionscampdorset.com) where Ginny spent many happy summer holidays with family would be appreciated.
We miss you mom but find peace in knowing you’ve been welcomed by loved ones and are likely enjoying a slice of cherry pie.
Love your girls.