Virginia "Ginny" Hierholzer

Virginia “Ginny” Hierholzer—a beloved wife, aunt, friend, and advocate—passed away peacefully at her home in Columbia, Maryland, on March 7, 2025, at the age of 78. She leaves behind her best friend and husband of 55 years, Jay Hierholzer, as well as cherished family members: sisters-in-law Kristine (Bill) Dues of Troy, Ohio, and Debbie Hierholzer of Murphy, Texas; niece Annina Parini (Greg) of Worthington, Ohio; nephews Gavin (Julie) Dues of Troy, Ohio, and Jonathon (Lindsey) Dues of Chicago, Illinois; and cousins Ron (Anita) Turkutz of East Windsor, New Jersey, and Danielle (John) Kane of Binghamton, New York. She was preceded in death by her parents, Stanley and Josephine (Baranek) Silakowski, and her brother, Stan Silakowski Jr.

Born on April 14, 1946, in Perth Amboy, New Jersey, Ginny was fiercely proud of her Polish roots and Jersey upbringing. She carried that pride throughout her life, especially in the kitchen. Her family will miss her chicken paprikash and Christmas pizzelles.

Ginny earned her B.A. in English from the University of Dayton in 1968 and spent ten years inspiring students at Francis Scott Key in Silver Spring, MD as an English teacher before earning her J.D. from the University of Baltimore in 1981. She dedicated 30 years as a staff attorney for the Baltimore City Department of Social Services, passionately advocating for vulnerable children and adults. Her work earned her the honor of Public Sector Attorney of the Year from the Baltimore City Bar Association.

A lifelong avid reader, Ginny found joy in her book club friendships. She had a quick wit, a generous spirit, and a deep love for her family, always showing up with warmth and wisdom. She also gave back to her community, serving on the Board of Directors for the Howard County Sexual Assault Center and volunteering with St. John’s the Evangelist Catholic Church.

Ginny built a strong community in Columbia, where she was a long-time resident of the Tidesfall and Bristol Green neighborhoods. She will be dearly missed by all who had the privilege of knowing her—her family, her friends, her colleagues, and the many people whose lives she touched through her kindness and advocacy.

To honor Ginny’s memory, donations may be made to the Muscular Dystrophy Association or St. Jude’s Hospital for Children—two causes close to her heart.

There will be a memorial Mass of remembrance for Ginny on Friday March 28 at 12 noon at the Wilde Lake Interfaith Center, 10431 Twin Rivers Road, Columbia Maryland.