Virginia "Ginny" May Avery

Ginny was born on May 23, 1939 in New York City, NY to Arthur and Dorothy Rosier. She attended Braintree High School, Katherine Gibbs College, UMass Boston and earned her master’s degree in early childhood education from Lesley University.

Upon graduation Ginny spent her time working as an Executive Assistant and Office Manager in the corporate world. On May 14, 1961, she married the love of her life, Bruce Avery, and they raised three children - Scott, Matt and Dawn - during their 30 years in Norwell. Ginny was a charter member of the United Church of Christ in Norwell; and upon their retirement, Ginny and Bruce became members of the Sanibel Congregational UCC of Sanibel Island FL.

Ginny had a passion for travel and was fortunate enough to visit all seven continents. Some of her other interests included photography, walking, reading and spending time with her friends, family and especially her eight beloved grandchildren.

When not traveling or visiting with grandkids, Ginny spent countless hours devoted to charities and community service. For example, as a member of “Guardian ad Litem” she worked as an advocate providing a powerful voice on behalf of Florida’s abused children. In addition to volunteering at the Shell Point Library, Ginny also proudly served as Education Docent at Sanibel’s National Shell Museum. While doing so, her proudest achievement was developing a regular elementary school field trip to the museum for young students throughout SW FL.

Family was Ginny’s priority. Those fortunate enough to have known her describe her as warm, kind, loving, intelligent, thoughtful, adventurous, fun, sociable, generous and dependable. She had a wise perspective and served as counselor and friend to so many that her children lost count long ago.

In addition to her parents, Ginny was pre-deceased by her husband Bruce and her brother Rob Rosier of Idaho. She is survived by her brothers Rich (Denise) of Dunedin Fl and Russ of CA along with her children Scott (Marlese) of Cary NC, Matt (Lynda) of Tampa FL and Dawn (Hanya) of Shrewsbury MA, as well as many nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.

As to the younger generations, Grammy is survived by grandchildren Avery, Chris, Kelly and Nick Avery of Cary, NC, Tim and Jeff Avery of Tampa, FL, and Rudy and Dante Avery of Shrewsbury MA. Her great grandchildren include Elias and Hadley of Florida and Ellie and Asher of Ennis, Ireland.

Ginny’s final wishes were to have her remains placed during private services in the Memorial Grounds at the Sanibel Congregational UCC, as well as the Memorial Garden at UCC Norwell, so she can be with her husband of over 60 years.

Memorial donations may be made to The American Heart Association PO Box 78851, Phoenix AZ, 85062-8851. Sanibel Congregational UCC 2050 Periwinkle Way Sanibel FL 33957, UCC Norwell PO Box 501 Norwell MA 02061 or the charity of your choice.

The Avery family extends their deepest gratitude to the Arbor staff at Shell Point for the amazing care and kindheartedness that they extended to both Ginny and Bruce.

Arrangements courtesy of Hodges-Kiser Funeral Home, Fort Myers, Florida. www.kiserfh.com