Granby Obituary: Virginia Thibodeau, 57

Virginia Hill Thibodeau passed away suddenly on January 26, 2018. Ginny, as she was known by most, was born in New London, in 1960. Her preteen years were spend growing up in Waterford. It was here that she found her life long passion for the ocean and walking excursions.

Ginny’s family moved to North Granby, where she grew to love sports and formed her first enduring friendship. As a senior in high school, she left an athletic legacy and is remembered on a plaque as Co-Female Athlete of the Year. Ginny’s love of sports continued as she graduated from CCSU with a degree in Physical Education. While in college she continued to form friendships that she maintained throughout her lifetime.

After college, Ginny taught at Chatham HS in Chatham, MA where her love of the ocean and exploring walks was deepened. While in Chatham, she was voted Tennis Coach of the Year in the Cape Cod League. She moved back to the Farmington Valley, teaching in the Granby public schools and at the Master’s School in West Simsbury. It was during this time that her Christian faith became and integral part of her life. Ginny continued to form and cultivate deep friendships.

In 1998, Ginny and Paul Thibodeau were married at Covenant Presbyterian Church in West Simsbury. The “Barn” as C.P.C. is known became their place of worship. Together their family grew with two sons Andy and Hunter. Ginny’s love of teaching and coaching was a natural segue to becoming a great mom as she shared invaluable life lessons with Andy and Hunter. Ginny set the bar high and refused to settle for mediocrity.

She truly was a lifelong teacher, eventually finding herself employed by HealthTrax of Avon and McLean Home of Simsbury. This was so much more than just a job for Ginny, where her students and peers became like family with a shared love and respect. She was also a very active member of her church, C.P.C., where she taught Sunday school, served on various committees, and participated in summer Vacation Bible School (VBS).

In her early 50’s, Ginny enjoyed photography as a new hobby. Joining the Simsbury Camera Club, Ginny jumped into the learning process, honing her skills. She found joy in taking many kinds of photos, but was most fulfilled by pictures of nature, her home town of Canton, and family and friends.

Ginny first had cancer in 1996 and then again in 2010. Neither time allowing herself to be defined by it. Ginny possessed a mighty spirit that worked in harmony with her now profound faith. Through the trials of life, she learned to walk very closely with her Lord and Savior. She reached a place on her journey where she gave her all to Jesus, finding peace and unending love. This provided Ginny with strength for the duration of her life.

A memorial service will take place Thursday February 8, 2018 at 7 pm at Covenant Presbyterian Church, “The Barn” 124 Old Farms Rd., Simsbury. Burial will be private and at the convenience of the family.

In lieu of flowers memorial donations in Ginny’s memory can be made to Covenant Presbyterian Church Memorial Fund or the Master’s School 36 Westledge Rd, West Simsbury, CT 06092.