Virginia Jobes Shenkle

MARBLEHEAD - Virginia Jobes (Ericson) Shenkle, age 93, of Marblehead and Salem, passed away on December 15, 2024. She was the beloved wife of Phillip Shenkle with whom she shared 20 years of marriage.

Born in Philadelphia, Jinny was the daughter of Allen and Edith (Greene) Jobes.

She was the devoted mother of June and James Ericson, and stepmother to Don and Robert Shenkle; the cherished grandmother of Lauren MacLeod, Sarah Ericson, Micheal Ericson, Brian Ericson, Beth Shenkle, Abbey Shenkle, Brad Shenkle and Ashley Shenkle Hope. She is also survived by her great grandchildren, Hadley, Holden and Skyler MacLeod, Leila Shenkle and Merritt Hope.

Jinny grew up in Philadelphia, PA and Rock Hall, Maryland, She graduated from University of Michigan in the class of 1952 with a degree in journalism. She raised her family in Marblehead MA.

Jinny started her career as a reporter with the Indianapolis News and was the first woman ever hired to their city desk. Jinny wrote three published books with her coauthor regarding sailing which were honored by the U.S. Power Squadron, U.S. Coast Guard and U.S. Weather Bureau in addition to their being on the Dick Cavet Show. Later she was a realtor with Barbara Lake in Marblehead. She was a Colonial Dame and a dedicated member of the Power Squadron serving many times on the bridge. She volunteered for many years for Salem Hospital creating a newsletter and as the producer of the fundraiser, “Pills a Poppin Show”. She also dedicated her time to St Michael's Church events. She enjoyed sailing, teaching sailing, skiing, swimming, bridge, dancing, writing, and collecting a library of over 700 catalogued movies. She cherished her time spent with family, friends and her myriad of stray and shelter cats and dogs.

Visiting hours will be held on Sunday, January 5th from 2p.m. to 5 p.m. at her home in Salem. A funeral service for Virginia will be held in the late spring at a date to be determined in Havre de Grace, Maryland with interment at the family plot at Angel Memorial Cemetery, 750 Ohio Street, Havre De Grace, MD 21079.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in her memory to the MSPCA Angell Northeast Animal Shelter, 347 Highland Ave, Salem, MA or via www.mspca.org/adoption-centers/northeast-animal-shelter/

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.eustisandcornellfuneralhome.com for the Shenkle family.