Virginia Frederick

The long and beautiful life of Virginia S. Frederick came to an end April 12, 2019 after a short stay at Gilchrist Hospice in Towson, MD. She was 102 1/2 years old. With her through the very end was her dedicated granddaughter Katie.

She was born Mary Virginia Schmidt on October 25, 1916 on Caroline Street, Baltimore. She was the youngest of six children born to Margaret Janson Schmidt and James H. Schmidt. Her father wanted to name her “Angela” because the Angelus was chiming at the time of her birth. Her siblings were Margaret S. Wasilifsky, James G. Schmidt, Sister Mary Eleanora Schmidt SSND., Loretto S. O’Donnell and H. Norbert Schmidt. (All deceased).

Virginia attended Notre Dame Prep and was part of the graduating class of 1935. She then went to Mercy Hospital School of Nursing, earning her Registered Nurse degree. She worked at Mercy Hospital for many years.

In 1943 Mary Virginia married Hugh J. Gallagher Jr. at Saint Philip & James Church, Baltimore. They had two children, Virginia Gallagher and Hugh J. Gallagher III. The marriage ended in divorce.

A long-time resident of Roland Park, Virginia was active in her children’s school activities as Class Mother and President of the Mother’s Club at St. Mary’s Govans. She also worked as a private duty nurse at Mercy Hospital while raising her children. She thoroughly enjoyed following her beloved Baltimore Colts and doing expert needlepoint during these years. A favorite tradition in her life was spending her summers at Sea Mist Apartments on 13th Street in Ocean City, MD for many, many decades.

In 1965 Virginia married Eric Frederick in Baltimore. After his retirement, the couple moved to Trappe, MD on the Eastern Shore. From there they enjoyed their extensive involvement in and love of horse racing. They also enjoyed playing competitive games of double solitaire, traveling and researching family history. Virginia’s biggest love and greatest joy was being involved with her children, grandchildren and eventually great-grandchildren. The couple moved back to Baltimore after several years to be closer to family. They resided on North Charles Street where Virginia continued to live after her husband Eric's death in 2001, up until her health began to decline at age 100.

She is survived by her daughter Virginia G. Keelty, York PA., and son Hugh J. Gallagher III, Goldsboro MD and grandchildren: Kevin C. Keelty Jr., Kathleen K. Disney, Grace C. Gallagher, Elaine J. Gallagher (Faith), R. Patrick Gallagher, great grandchildren; Erin L. Disney and Patrick E. Disney, as well as many special nieces and nephews.

Private Interment at Dulaney Valley Memorial Gardens on April 17, 2019 to be followed by a Celebration of Life Memorial mass at School Sisters of Notre Dame in May.

In lieu of flowers please donate in Virginia’s memory to: School Sisters of Notre Dame, 6401 North Charles Street, Baltimore, MD 21212. ssndaba.org