Virginia Marie Quill Smith
1929 - 2025
Virginia (Ginny) Marie Quill Smith, 95 peacefully passed away on September 24, 2025.
Born in Canton, MA, on December 27, 1929, to Dorothy M. (Abbott) Quill and James C. Quill. Ginny lived a long and meaningful life grounded in faith, grace, compassion, and a deep appreciation of nature. She was known for expressing gratitude and love to her family and friends, leaving behind a legacy of kindness and strength.
Ginny spent her early years (kindergarten through 4th grade) with her maternal grandparents, Ellen and John Abbott. She later returned home to Somerville to share joyous years with her parents and siblings. The family eventually settled in South Boston, first on K Street-where many fond memories were made and later in a row house on 6th Street, where Ginny shared a downstairs bedroom with her four sisters.
Ginny graduated from Gate of Heaven High School (Class of 1947). She went on to work at Jordan Marsh as a typist and later as a secretary at a plastics company. In 1987, she retired from her position as an Administrative Assistant with the New York State Department of Criminal Justice.
In 1952, Ginny married Gordon Lee Smith (deceased) and after a year in Dorchester, MA, they made Albany, NY, their home for many years. Together they raised three children. Ginny was a wonderful mother and dedicated herself to providing her family with not only the essentials of life but also memorable vacations and traditions. A wise saver and skilled budgeter, she ensured her family’s stability and happiness.
In retirement, Ginny and Gordy divided their time between South Dennis, MA, and Englewood, FL. She especially loved Cape Cod for its salt air, beaches, and quaint villages. In Englewood, she enjoyed golf, sunsets, and was surrounded by an active community of friends and family. Their travels up and down the East Coast were filled with adventure and joy. Later in life, Ginny settled in Bradenton, FL, and eventually at Arbor Ridge at Stanleyville, an independent living community in Winston-Salem, NC, where she continued to build wonderful friendships.
Ginny loved nature, gardening, the water, camping, traveling (3x to Ireland) and family gatherings. She was the family historian, with an impressive knowledge of our ancestor’s lives, and a talented artist and poet. Her artwork brightened the homes of many friends and family, while her poetry, though private, brought her great joy. Ginny was known for her wit, gentle spirit, loyalty, and intelligence and will be remembered for her warm smile, loving touch, and resilient spirit. Her family imagines her reunited with Gordy, joyfully dancing together in heaven.
Ginny was preceded in death by her husband of 66 years, Gordon L. Smith; her grandson, Claude Anderson; daughter-in-law, Bonnie Joy Barr Smith; sisters Dorothy Bradley Morrison and Margarette Lemmerman Bosman (Bill and Clair); and brothers James J. Quill and Kenneth J. Quill (Jean).
She is survived by her children: Cynthia M. Smith, Karen L. Smith (Donna E. Hanley), and Edward J. Smith; sisters Eleanor M. Bunker Lennox (Earl and Jimmy) and Marjorie Quill; brother Edward Quill (Dolores); granddaughter Amanda E. Hanley; great-granddaughters Giavonna Anderson, Raquelle and Jasmine Cridele, and Destinee Anderson; great-great-granddaughter Milani Rae’Lynn Oree; as well as many cherished cousins, nieces, nephews, and friends, who will never forget the love she brought them.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at Saint Oscar Romero Parish, 700 Washington St., Canton, MA, on [Saturday, November 15 2025, 10am], followed by interment at Saint Mary’s Cemetery, Randolph St., Canton, MA. Friends and family are all invited to a lunch reception at Chateau Restaurant in 404 Boston Providence Hwy (Rt. 1), Norwood, MA.
Such a beautiful tribute of love for a woman who accomplished so much.
I was just talking to Ginny yesterday as I re-potted the beautiful Desert Rose plant she gave me. The day before, I told her how much I missed our Perkins Pancake House outings as I drove to Lowes to get potting soil and new pots. Hard to go anywhere or do anything without memories of picnics, movies or Happy Hours. She was such a great friend to my mother, Hazel and I. My mother may not remember much but she remembers Ginny’s great smile and laugh. I remember our talks about how much she loved and appreciated Karen and Donna for all their support. I loved our talks about politics, her religion and the great life she lived. Near the end, she spoke of her Irish heritage and how she loved her trips to Ireland. At the end, it was her undying love for her children and family that was foremost on her mind. She was a genuine gift to this world, and we were all lucky to have had a place in her heart. My loving thoughts are with Karen, Donna, Cindy and Ed.
I worked with Ginny for several years in Albany. She was a dear friend and wonderful role model as I was starting my career. She even gave me a cherished book of poetry on my 30th birthday. Ginny talked about you kids all the time and I knew all your names and maybe more than you would have wanted her to share. But it was always with love and caring. We kept in touch with letters and later connected on Facebook. I am so sorry she is gone but she is someone who touched my heart and I will never forget her.
Ginny was a fun loving Aunt. She was always ready for a party. She loved music and singing with her siblings and was so proud of her son Ed’s guitar playing entertainment. She loved dancing with Gordie. They were the cutest couple. I miss the good ole days. I love and will miss you, Aunt Ginny.