Virginia S. Pope

Born in Denver, but raised in Kennett Square, PA, Jinny was an avid lover of books. In fact, she read every book in the entire Kennett Square Public Library. Jinny graduated from Mount Holyoke College in 1955 with a degree in Political Science, and afterward joined her husband, John D. Pope, in Norfolk, VA where he was stationed with the Navy. After the Navy, Jinny and John moved to Marblehead in 1956 where she raised their family and was the perfect sounding board for her husband and the family company, F.W. Webb.

A dedicated alumna of Mount Holyoke, Jinny continued to give to her alma mater throughout her life, serving as the President of her class, fundraising and reconnecting at many reunions. A great friend to many organizations, Jinny was instrumental in starting the medical library at the North Shore Children’s Hospital, where she also served on the board of the Friends of the NSCH. Additionally, Jinny loved being a member of the Old North Church, and became part of the Compassionate Friends during her time there, gladly helping anyone who needed it. She was also active with the Friends of Abbot Public Library and filled her home with books on every subject. Before she became ill, Jinny faithfully gave blood every six weeks because of the great need for her type O negative blood.

Jinny traveled extensively and eagerly with her husband John, her children and so many friends, visiting far off places including South Africa, USSR, Alaska, Scotland and Ireland, always with golf clubs in tow. Jinny loved sharing golf with her husband and together they were members of the Tedesco Country Club, the Sleepy Hollow Club in Tarrytown, NY, and a founder of the Baker Hill Golf Club in Newbury, NH.

Aside from her love of travel, books, sports, (she was an avid Pats fan) and education, it was her family that most filled her heart. Known as “Goody” to her grandchildren, she was the biggest cheerleader of them all, always ready with a hug and a sympathetic ear. Predeceased by her grandsons, Christopher Pope and Tom Pope, Jinny leaves her husband of 61 years, John D. Pope, and her brother Frederick Starr and his wife Sue, of Greensboro, NC. She also leaves four children, son, Jeff Pope and his wife Carmen of Beverly, son, Steve Pope and his wife Allison Kerwin of Hancock, NH, daughter, Tracey Pfister and her husband John of Marblehead, and daughter Nanny Noyes and her husband Peter of Marblehead. Additionally, Goody leaves fourteen grandchildren, Kelly Pope, Dave Pope, Beckett Noyes, Holly Noyes, Charlotte Noyes, Kimberly Pfister, Julia Pfister, Nathan Pope, Joanna Wallace, Jared Pope, Rachael Porelle, Andrew Pope, Christina Pope, Rebecca Pope and many cherished nieces and nephews.

Jinny is greatly loved and will be sorely missed by her family and friends. A celebration of her life will be held at the Old North Church, 35 Washington Street, Marblehead on Saturday, May 21st at 12pm. In lieu of flowers, please consider making contributions to the Old North Church, 8 Stacy Street, Marblehead, The Mount Holyoke Fund, Mount Holyoke College, 50 College Street, South Hadley, MA 01075 or donate blood at your local blood bank. Arrangements by Eustis and Cornell of Marblehead.