Virginia "Ginny" Smith Schilaty

Virginia “Ginny” Smith Schilaty passed away in Everett, WA surrounded by family on January 19, 2025 after a long journey with Alzheimer’s disease. Up until the last day of her life, she maintained her playful spirit, kind heart, and eagerness to laugh.

Ginny was born on September 2, 1948 in Cambridge, Massachusetts to Moncrieff Hynson Smith, Jr. and Malvene Howard Grimshaw. The only girl in the family sandwiched between two brothers, Mason and Parker, she loved to play sports and was the captain of her field hockey and basketball teams. After her parents divorced, her dad remarried and the family was joined by two half sisters, Laurie and MacKenzie.

While studying at Western Washington State College, Ginny met Buzz Schilaty and they were married in Trinity Lutheran Church in Everett, WA on July 17, 1971. A year later they joined The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

Ginny and Buzz are the parents of four children: Jessen (Laura), W Jay (Audrey), Lindsay, and Ben. Ginny joyed in supporting her children in anything they did. Her loud cheer of “Woohoohoohoo!” was a staple at many sporting events. She was also known for cheering for the kids on the opposing team, happy to see anyone succeed.

Ginny graduated from Western Washington State College with a degree in elementary education. She returned to school 20 years later to earn a master’s in education leadership. Whether she was teaching PE or third grade, running the school library or the entire school as the principal, she loved the kids she worked with. Thousands of young lives were touched by her kindness.

Ginny has eight grandchildren: Dylan, Bowen, June, Boyd, Walter, Brooke, Ryan, and Mia.

She was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease in 2016 and declined quickly. Now that she is freed from her damaged brain she again knows that she has a family who loves her dearly. On the day we lost her, she found us again.

Funeral services will be held on Saturday, February 8 at 10:00 am at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 110 50th St. SW, Everett, WA 98203. All are welcome to attend.