Virginia Anne Ward-O'Hara

Virginia Anne Ward-O'Hara of Arlington, VA, died at the Virginia Hospital Center on Monday, November 4, 2013, after a prolonged illness. "Ginny” was born in Brooklyn, NY, on November 23, 1948 to Edward and Ruth Ward. She was raised in Long Island and New Jersey and loved the Jersey shore. Ginny graduated in 1968 from Marymount College in Arlington, VA, studied in Spain at the University of Madrid, and earned a Bachelor of Arts degree from the University of Maryland in 1970. She worked as an Administrative Assistant at the U.S. Catholic Conference of Bishops in Washington, DC, and later as Office Manager in the law firms of Williams & Connolly and Foley & Lardner. Ginny’s passion for travel and adventure took her to Europe and Africa. In 1981, she married John R. O'Hara and had two children, Michael Patrick O'Hara and Katharine Anne O'Hara. Despite two decades of lingering maladies, she was instrumental in raising her children to be compassionate adults. She put her children's needs and welfare ahead of her own, encouraged them to strive for success, and took great pride in their accomplishments. Ginny was an avid genealogy researcher and served as family historian. She also enjoyed her neighborhood’s Bible study group and book club as well as trips to the theatre with friends and family holiday gatherings. Ginny’s courage and optimistic view of life were inspirational to all who knew her. In addition to her husband and two children, she is survived by her mother, Ruth Ward LaBarge of Palm City, FL, and siblings Edward Ward of Alexandria, VA, Mary Alice Woodend of Kissimmee, FL, and William Ward of Pittsburgh, PA. A memorial mass will be held at St. James Catholic Church, Falls Church, VA, on Saturday, November 23, 2013, at 2 p.m., followed by a memorial gathering. Floral arrangements can be sent to Murphy Funeral Home, Arlington, VA. Burial will take place in Arlington National Cemetery at a later date. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Wounded Warrior Project.