After ninety-six years of a wonderful life, Virginia Cossmann Quirk moved on to her next spiritual journey. She was born on September 3, 1922, in Chicago, Illinois to Ruth Gertrude Hallenbeck and George James Cossmann. She passed away in Naples Florida on January 29th, 2019.
Ginnie married Edward James Quirk, deceased 1999, of Watertown Wisconsin, on May 2, 1942, in Oak Park, Illinois. They began their married life in Watertown, where they raised their eight children. In 1995, they retired to Naples.
Ginnie attended elementary and high school in Chicago, Illinois and continued her education at Lawrence University in Appleton, Wisconsin, as a music major. She joined the Delta Gamma Sorority, of which she remained an active lifelong member. Ginnie volunteered as a Nurse's Aide for the American Red Cross, during WWII. She served for years as the President and Secretary of the Watertown Library Board, as well as being on several other Boards whose focus was education and the arts. She was a member of AAUW and P.E.O. and also supported the Friends of Arts and the Philharmonic League. She had an unflagging commitment to improving the lives of families, women and children. Ginnie facilitated housing for many families through her deep involvement with Habitat for Humanity. She made frequent car runs to the Guadalupe Center, donating time, clothing and furniture. She tutored elementary school age students for years, enjoying their many exchanges. She supported the battered women's shelter in the areas where help was needed. Ginnie's dedication culminated in her recognition as a Champion of Learning in Naples, Florida on January 31, 2018.
Ginnie is survived by her children: Linda, Wendy (Thomas Schuett), Jacqueline (Don Rayno), James (Deborah Callan), Pamela (David Quirk Becker), Darby (Richard Royal), Roberta (Stephen Cmar) and Jill (Dan McKay) as well as seventeen grandchildren, ten great-grandchildren and her devoted and dear friend, George Frey.
Ginnie was an avid reader, accomplished bridge player, one of the fastest knitters on earth and a fine pianist. She was also a great joke teller (who loved a good laugh), a competitive Scrabble opponent, a stickler for proper manners and grammar, a zippy dresser and the tidiest soul on the planet. She lived by her mantra of faith, family, friends, and funny bone. A vibrant, generous, caring and kind woman, Ginnie made people feel better just by being in her presence.
A Memorial Service will be celebrated 10:00 AM Friday, February 8, 2019 at St. William Catholic Church 601 Seagate Dr., Naples, FL 34103. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to two of Ginnie’s long supported organizations: Habitat for Humanity of Collier County www.habitatcollier.org (239) 775-0036, or The Guadalupe Center 509 Hope Circle, Immokalee, FL 34142 www.guadalupecenter.org. Condolences may be left online at www.HodgesNaplesMG.com.
