Virginia Townsend

Virginia was born on July 26, 1924 in Somerville, MA, and was the daughter of the late Fred Townsend and Frances Douglass Townsend. She was raised in Lexington and attended the Lexington Public Schools. Virginia participated in dance lessons for nearly 14 years, and she was a devoted member of Rainbow Girls. During this time, as a young woman, she met her future husband, David Townsend, who was a member of Demolay.

Upon graduation from high school, Virginia began her working career in Boston at the John Hancock building. She and David married shortly thereafter, on April 10, 1944. After David’s return from serving in WWII, they settled on Martha’s Vineyard where David became a teacher and Virginia gave birth to two daughters, Deborah and Patricia, thus beginning her lifelong dream of becoming a mother.

In the early 1950’s, the family moved to Sudbury where David continued teaching, and Virginia began her longtime career in banking at the Framingham Trust Company. Their son, David was born on June 27th 1954. Virginia often referred to this time in Sudbury, raising her children, as the happiest time in her life.

In 1967 the family moved back to the Vineyard where David became principal of the Tisbury Elementary School, and Virginia worked at the Edgartown National Bank. She was active in the church, close to numerous dear friends, participated in a variety of Adult Ed. classes, and enjoyed traveling with David to New York, Bermuda, and London.

In the years that followed, David and Virginia finally settled in Sandwich where they were able to enjoy spending time with their three children, the spouses, and their three beautiful granddaughters. After her beloved husband died in 1991, Virginia moved to Pine Oaks Village in Harwich where she lived until her death. “Ginny” was a true friend to so many at Pine Oaks. She was always ready to lend a helping hand, bring a smile to someone who needed it, tell a joke to brighten someone’s day, and share a hug. She will be deeply missed by her many friends.

Virginia is predeceased by her brothers; Robert (wife Margie), and Gordon (wife Shirley). Virginia is survived by her 3 beloved children; daughter Deborah of Brewster, daughter Patricia and her husband Henry of Plymouth, and son David and his wife Lynne of Derry, NH. She is also survived by her 3 treasured granddaughters; Samantha of Arlington, VA, Ashley and her husband Michael of Hillsborough, NH, and Jessica of Dover, NH. Finally, Virginia is survived by her loving nieces and nephew; Cheryl, Lissa, Leslie, and Doug.

Virginia’s family would like to extend their heartfelt gratitude to the following people for their loving care, friendship, and support: Dr. Scott Miner, the staff of Mugar 5 at Cape Cod Hospital, the staff at the Mary McCarthy Hospice House, and her extended “family” at Pine Oaks Village.

There will be a memorial service to celebrate Virginia’s life at the Nickerson-Bourne Funeral Home in Sandwich on Saturday, September 21st. Visitation will begin at 10:30 AM, followed by the service from 11:00-12:00. A reception will follow.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in memory of Virginia to the Animal Rescue League of Boston, 10 Chandler St. Boston, MA 02116 or Hope Hospice, 765 Attucks Lane Hyannis, MA 02601