Virginia (Golding) Forgea , VRHS Class of 1936
Forgea, Virginia OJAI Calif. Virginia "Ginger" Forgea lived a full life for all of her 94 years, passing in the dawn hours of February 18, 2011. Born in Albany, on July 1917, Virginia was the only child of Thomas and Josephine Golding. Her family moved to Rensselaer when she was seven years old. She attended public schools and graduated from Rensselaer High School in 1936. A member of her church youth group, she sang in the choir, helped at church dinners and with other activities. In 1948 Virginia married Norman Forgea. They had one son, Thomas. Ginger worked for the Albany Hardware and Iron Company for about four years. She worked for the New York Telephone Company for 38 years and also worked part-time for Myers Department Store. Ginger had always been a volunteer. During World War II, she volunteered with the Red Cross, working as a Grey Lady and then as a nurse's aide at Albany Medical Center. She volunteered with Interceptor Command as well. Ginger was active in the PTA in Rensselaer when her son was in school. For 18 years, she was a member of the Acting Workshop. Her fondest volunteer memories were of her participation and her leadership roles in the Telephone Pioneers' Club, where she was involved in community service and in aiding the Head Start Program. She was a trustee with the Rensselaer Senior Center where she faithfully worked the blood drive and flu clinics and stepped in to do any job that needed doing. She found time to volunteer at Memorial Hospital in Albany, N.Y. Ginger moved to Ojai, Calif. to live with her son, Tom and daughter-in-law, Gloria in May 2006. She enjoyed the great weather, cats, dogs, and wonderful friends. In 2010, she moved to the Villa at Ojai so she could receive 24 hour care. She loved the staff and they loved her. Ginger was a beautiful soft spoken and gracious lady who had a smile and helping hand for everyone. She could "cut a rug" with rhythm and grace. Gloria's niece's seven year old daughter, Natalia wrote when she heard of Ginger's passing-"I love Ginger she is the sweetest woman every world could have." Ginger leaves behind her son, Tom; daughter-in-law, Gloria of Ojai. Ginger is also survived by sister-in-laws, Claire Tudico, Nin Eckert (husband Bob) and Eileen Pratt all from Rennselaer, N.Y. Ginger will be greatly missed by her extended family, Gail and Tom Carney and their children Tom, Sharon, Joe, and Patrick; along with her granddaughter, great-grandson, cousins, nieces and nephews who are left with wonderful memories.