Ginny Scardina-Houghton

Virginia was born April 12, 1952 in Kittanning, Pennsylvania.

Ginny was best known in high school for being “the voice of the Lady Bears Sports Teams” writing about all sports teams’ competitions and potential junior Olympians. She was one of the first female softball umpires for the OSU intramural depths co-rec softball program. She served as a women’s field supervisor for OSU intramural department, women’s flag football, basketball and softball programs. She served as the City of Upper Arlington’s P & R departments superintendent for 35 years, developed Central Ohio’s first community based therapeutic recreation program, and in 1979 was only the 4th program of its kind in the entire state. Ginny went on to develop two more programs for individuals who have a disability, an adult social club, and a summer day camp program for youth and developed the women’s softball league into the second largest women’s program in central Ohio.

Ginny was recognized by the Ohio Parks and Recreation Association for over 37 years of public service to the Parks and Recreation field. She received a resolution of appreciation from the City of Upper Arlington City Council for serving the community for 35 years, only one of a few “regular” employees to receive such an honor and received the distinguished service award in 2008 for exceptional service to the city of Upper Arlington.

Most importantly Ginny was privileged, honored, and proud to be an aunt and great aunt to the Scardina families.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the Upper Arlington Community Foundation care of the Parks and Recreation department. Recreation division and the snack program special field trip.

A visitation will be held on Thursday, April 24, 2025, from 4-6PM at Schoedinger Northwest, 1740 Zollinger Rd, Columbus 43221. A Mass of Christian Burial will occur the following day on Friday, April 25, 2025, at 10:30AM at Saint Andrew Catholic Church,1899 McCoy Rd, Columbus, OH 43220. A private inurnment will take place afterwards.

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