Virginia “Ginny” Link of Ray Township, Mich. died peacefully on Aug. 13, 2013. Her 79 years were filled with optimism and love.
A teacher for more than 30 years in Utica Community Schools, Ginny taught hundreds of children some of life’s most important skills. Some went with the job, such as reading and counting. Others were purely her moral compass, such as acceptance and generosity.
Although teaching was important to her, Ginny’s family was her life. Two devoted husbands preceded her in death, both smart enough to know a good thing when they saw it. Despite numerous and innovative attempts, her children only found futility in their efforts to test her patience, optimism and loyalty. Her grandchildren adored her and she cherished them.
She enjoyed gardening and reading. She was an excellent bridge player and a terrible golfer. She recycled.
Ginny Link (nee Vogel) was born July 23, 1934 in Muskegon, Mich. She graduated from Saginaw Arthur Hill in 1952 and Albion College in 1956.
In 1957 she married Dale Shields of Saginaw, who predeceased her in 1990. Together they had four children, Matt (wife Cindy, daughters Amanda and Emily), Elizabeth (husband Don, daughters Leigh (Matt) Addison, Kristen and Mariah) Bauman, Douglas (wife Laura, sons Dallas, Dylan and Jeremy) and Martin (wife Kristi Mahrt, daughters Alison, Maya and Serena).
In 1994 she married widower Ernest Link of Shelby Township. They soon moved to Fairhope. Ernest died in 2007, and they are survived by his children, Pam LeMay, Nancy (John) Zurawski, John (Karen), Jim (Judy), Ron (Jessica) and Richard (Kelly) Link; and many grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
Ginny returned to Michigan in 2010 to be closer to family.
She was preceded in death by her mother, Helen (Crandall) Vogel and her father, Alfred Vogel.
Three younger and loving sisters survive her, Janet Marsh, Alice (Don) Thompson and Susie (Carl) Trepagnier.
Services will be held Sunday, Aug. 18, 2013, at 2 p.m., at William A. Sullivan and Son, 8459 Hall Road, Utica, Mich.
Visitation will be held there on Saturday, Aug. 17, 2013, from 1-8 p.m.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Paws for Life, Albion College, or the Spinal Muscular Atrophy Foundation.
Arrangements by William A. Sullivan and Son.
