Virginia Dunn, 88

Virginia Dunn, 88

PLYMOUTH — Virginia Vineyard Dunn, 88, of Plymouth, died on May 12, 2017, at her home of 62 years, after six months of declining health. She celebrated and enjoyed her 88th birthday on May 10 with her family

She was born in Hazel Park, Michigan, the daughter of Opie and Frieda (Burger) Vineyard and was raised in Herkimer/Mohawk, New York.

Virginia had been married to Robert G. Dunn in 1947. They relocated to New Hampshire in 1948. In 1955 they settled in Plymouth where they raised their five daughters and one son.

In 1968 Virginia starting working for the summer Head Start Program in Plymouth, under the leadership of Director Raymond S. Burton. She then became the full-time teacher in 1969. In 1973 she earned her associate of arts degree, and in 1975 she earned her bachelor of science degree with honors, both from the University of New Hampshire in Family Studies – Early Childhood Development.

In 1975 she starting working for the state of New Hampshire Department of Health and Human Services as a social worker. She retired from that employment in 1998.

Upon her retirement she became a volunteer at the Speare Memorial Hospital, spending most of her time in the lab and mail room. She worked there until September of 2016, clocking in 13,803-plus volunteer hours – amazing! It became her second home, and she truly loved the people she worked with. Ginny was an amazing cook and often treated them to her tasty baked goodies.

Virginia loved her family first and took great joy in bragging about them. She excelled at early American decorative painting with oils, taught by Edith Gray of Dorchester, and later tole painting with acrylics, taught by Carol Elliott of Plymouth. She loved her sewing and needlecraft along with her quilting.

She took great pleasure in swimming at the Mid-State Pool. She also loved her puzzles, which she continued to work until the day she passed. She was very creative.

She had been a long time member of the Plymouth Congregational Church and served in many capacities, including Deacon, Sunday school teacher, choir and also two Search Committees for a new pastor.

Family members include her six children, V. Catherine Wilchman and her husband, Paul of Cleveland/Russellville, Arkansas, Barbara D. Dutile and her husband, Doug of Haverhill, William R. Dunn and his companion Lizz Mehegan of Holderness, Elizabeth R. Minickiello and Paul of Plymouth, Tamara D. McHugh and her husband, John of Bridgewater, and Grace Dunn Janwich and her husband, Ray of Keyport, New Jersey; 10 grandchildren, Rob, Suzi, Mike, Angie, Billy, Alesa, Melinda, John, Brad and Erin; eight great-grandchildren, Catherine, Anna, Jordan, Kaylie, Wyatt, Maia, Brady and Lucas; one great-great-grandchild, Nicolas; several nieces and nephews and several very special friends, neighbors and caregivers; one brother, Jack Vineyard and his companion, Linda of Cooperstown, New York.

She was predeceased by her three sisters, Doris Bucek, Nora Waterbury and Pauline Bruce, all from the Mohawk Valley in New York state.

Virginia's wishes were to not have any calling hours. A celebration gathering and interment will be at a later date at the convenience of the family.

Memorial donations may be made in her honor to the Pemi-Baker Home Health Agency, 101 Boulder Point Drive, Suite 3, Plymouth, NH 03264