Virginia "Ginny" Maxwell

From a difficult childhood, emerged a woman whose strength and determination set a standard for her family. Virginia Marie Maxwell, known as "Ginny" to family and friends, learned early in life the importance of sustaining the love that supports a family. The hard working mother of four, Ginny was proud of her Irish catholic heritage, and spent her days providing the best for her family.

In 1933, the country was still struggling through the Great Depression. To bolster the welfare of the American people, President Franklin Roosevelt launched his "New Deal" - a series of Federal programs aimed at providing work for the unemployed. It took time, however, for these programs to take effect and in the meantime, people struggled to make ends meet. John and Anna (O'Flaherty) Russell were among the many families dealing with theses trying times. John worked on the docks of Boston harbor, loading and unloading the ships and also worked as a mailman. He and Anna had five children and on October 16, 1933, their fourth child, daughter Virginia Marie, was born in Wakefield, Massachusetts . Ginny was the fourth of five children and when John died at the age of 28, she and her siblings were separated. Young Ginny was five years old when she went to her foster home. She was one of the lucky ones for she found herself in a loving home and thought a great deal of her foster mother, not having had a close relationship with her own mother.

Ginny grew up on a farm and learned to work hard at an early age. She was somewhat of a tomboy and liked to play touch football. When she was 16 years of age, Ginny was chosen to Crown the Virgin Mary during the May crowning ceremony that took place each year in the city of Boston . Fr. Kennedy accompanied Ginny and she considered it a great honor to be chosen. A student at Wakefield High School , Ginny worked after school cleaning the rectory of the Catholic Church. Strong friendships developed during her high school years and through the years she continued to stay in contact with two of her closest friends, Phil Gallant and Eleanor Giuliano.

Ginny graduated from Wakefield High School , and like many young people, went to work rather than to college. She began working as a telephone operator for Massachusetts Bell in Wakefield , a position she held for the next five years. During this time, she had a date with a young man named Jerry Maxwell. Ginny and Jerry double dated with Jerry's brother Morrill Allen, called "Al", and his date. An attraction soon developed between Ginny and older brother Al, and they started dating. A short time later, they were married on July 1, 1955 in Boston .

Al was working for Shell Oil Company when he and Ginny were married, but then started a position in sales with Master Channel. This was before the days of cable TV when homes were topped by TV antennas. Al was transferred to Indianapolis where he and Ginny established their family. Ginny and Al were blessed with four wonderful children. Laura and Kathy, who were born in New Hampshire, David, born in Framingham, Massachusetts, and Kelly, born in Indiana. Sadly, Ginny's only son David, passed away in 1987.

When Kelly was just 22 months old, Ginny and Al were divorced. Now a single mother with four children to support, Ginny was more determined than ever to make sure her family had all that it needed. Although a strict disciplinarian, Ginny knew how important family was and did all she could for her children. As tough as times might have been, she always said her happiest days were when her children were born. Each year they would attend the Indy 500, enjoying all the parties that went along with the race. Ginny made sure everyone got together for family functions like birthdays and holidays. Her daughters looked forward to any "comments" Ginny would make during the celebration. Direct and to-the point, she could also be very funny. All agreed that family gatherings would never be the same.

Ginny was proud of her Irish heritage and served potatoes with every meal. She made delicious fried chicken. Her secret was slow cooking it in an electric frying pan. She swore it made all the difference. Her own favorite food was the Irish standard, corned beef and cabbage. Ginny managed all this while working full time. She worked at Beef & Boards when it first opened, staying there for five years. She then worked for Isley's Plumbing for the next ten years until her retirement in 2000. She enjoyed her work at Isley's and thought a lot of her employers.

Between work and caring for her family, Ginny really didn't have much time for hobbies. She did like to watch old Bette Davis movies and always read the newspaper from cover to cover. She was a true Irish Catholic and loved St. Patrick's Day and anything associated with Notre Dame. Her favorite songs were "When Irish Eyes Are Smiling" and the lovely ballad, "Danny Boy." She enjoyed listening to the music of Patsy Cline and the Statler Brothers and watching the comedic talents of George Burns. Her catholic faith had always been a support for Ginny and she cherished her crucifix, a statue of the Virgin Mary, and especially a collage of pictures of her son, David.

Ginny shared her heart and home with animals as well as family. Over the years, family pets included dogs, cats, rabbits, frogs, turtle and ducks. One duck in particular was named Donald. That is until it was discovered that "he" was a "she". "Donald" quickly became "Daisy." Her special loves were her pug "Sambo" and her kitty "Marigold".

Ginny Maxwell knew hard times and good times, but family always came first, no matter what. Her steadfast strength and giving heart will be cherished by all who knew her. She will be greatly missed.

Virginia Marie "Ginny" Maxwell, surrounded by her loving daughters, was returned to the Lord after a brief illness on June 6, 2005. Ginny is survived by daughters Laura Mrozinski (Bill), Cathy Arnold (Bob), Kelly Maxwell, and brother William Russell. She was preceded in death by her son David Maxwell, parents Mr. and Mrs. John Russell, and brother, Robert Russell. The funeral service will be Thursday at 1:00 p.m., June 9, in the Leppert Life Story Funeral Home, Nora Chapel, where friends and family will gather on Wednesday, June 8 from 5 to 8 p.m. You are invited to visit Ginny's personal memory page at www.lifestorynet.com where you may share a memory, order flowers, sign the guestbook or make a memorial contribution.