Virginia Lambert O'Harrow

Ginger was born January 14, 1929, to her parents, Albert Lambert and Marie Beck Lambert, in Portland, Oregon, where she lived her entire life. She graduated from Franklin High School and attended Portland Community College for many years during her later years.

Ginger married Joseph Robert “Bob” O’Harrow, November 14, 1953 at St. Anthony’s Catholic Church. She met Bob when she worked as a stenographer for the First National Bank. She then became a devoted homemaker and a mother. She was also a childcare provider for countless families for years, in order for her children to receive Catholic education.

Ginger spent her entire life doing for others. Her home was always open to others. It was the neighborhood block home for all. She had a sandwich and a homemade cookie for any friend or visitor coming by. When her children started playing baseball and other sports, she volunteered endless hours, running concession stands, keeping score, supporting her children and husband Bob’s coaching endeavors. Ginger and Bob volunteered at the St. Charles St. Vincent de Paul conference and their food pantry for many years. She was their secretary, ordering food, stocking shelves, gathering donations, handing out food to those in need, and writing thank you letters to those who donated.

Ginger enjoyed sewing and made many of her family’s clothing. She enjoyed cooking, baking and canning. She is famous for her pies and her hundreds of Christmas cookies which she made and gave out to her family and friends each year. She loved completing crossword puzzles, doing Sudoku, and watching Jeopardy every night. She knew all the answers and stunned everyone with her knowledge.

Ginger was an avid reader and life long learner. Beginning at age sixty she started attending classes at Portland Community College and continued school for twenty five years, well into her eighties.

Ginger was an inspiration to many. She lived her strong Catholic faith daily by prayers, her kindness, care of all peoples and service to her family and her community. She had a full life and one well lived. She will be greatly missed.

Ginger is survived by her children, Margaret “Peggy” O’Harrow Lynch (Byron Lynch), Kathy Casey, Patrick O’Harrow (Michele Carroll), Thomas O’Harrow, Michael O’Harrow (Karyn O’Harrow). Molly O’Harrow (Sara Herring), and Julie O’Harrow Karnstein (Walt Karnstein). She has many grandchildren, great grandchildren, and one great great grandchild.

Ginger was preceded in death by her husband Bob, granddaughters, Rachael O’Harrow and Sadie “Sky” O’Harrow, and son-in-law Doug Casey.

Remembrances can be made to the St. Vincent de Paul Conference at St. Charles Parish, 5310 NE 42nd Ave, Portland, Oregon 97218, US, or online below.