Virginia "Ginny" Carlisle

February 7, 1951 – November 15, 2025

Virginia “Ginny” Carlisle, reader of big novels, lover of art and opera, teller of the plain truth, and maker of meals that could fix almost anything, passed away on November 15, 2025, after a brief illness and hospital stay, with family and friends by her side.

Born on February 7, 1951, and raised in San Antonio, Texas, Ginny moved to Dallas in 1969 and made it home. The oldest of eight children, she was preceded in death by her parents, Teresa and Virgil Gonzalez of San Antonio. All seven of her siblings survive her; each has a unique relationship with Ginny, and every one of them has a funny Ginny story from that rambunctious household.

Ginny believed in practical kindness and honest conversation. She could discuss Tolstoy one minute and tell you exactly what she thought you needed to hear the next (whether you were ready or not). She read widely, cooked beautifully, and had a knack for turning a simple occasion into a reason to celebrate. After retiring from working in 2011, she happily devoted more time to her books, cooking and making outings with family and friends into adventures.

She is survived by her husband of 56 years, Elbin Carlisle; her daughters, Lisa Sifuentes, with husband Luis Sifuentes, and Lynn Sheils, with husband Craig Sheils; her grandchildren, Thomas Sheils, with wife Tanya Wu, Nicole Sifuentes, Lauren Sifuentes and Layla Sifuentes; and her great-grandson, Ty Sheils. The family is also joyfully expecting a second great-grandchild in January 2026, a reminder that Ginny’s story keeps going in new chapters.

Ginny leaves behind recipes that refuse to be written down properly, piles of dog-eared books and magazines, and countless phrases her family will keep repeating. Most of all, she leaves a living legacy of directness, humor, and love.

A funeral Mass will be held for Ginny on Friday, December 19th at 10:30 am at All Saints Catholic Church in Dallas, Texas and details for her Celebration of Life will be shared with friends and family.

In lieu of flowers, please honor Ginny by supporting your local library, an art museum, or the Dallas Arboretum and by cooking something delicious for someone you love.