Virginia Essex
Virginia Eleanor Essex of Friendship, Wisconsin, passed away on April 14, 2026 at the age of 101.
Graveside service will be 11:00 a.m. on Friday, April 24th, 2026 at the Quincy Cemetery.
Virginia, “Ginny”, was born on March 4, 1925, in Framingham, Massachusetts, to Terzo and Eleanor Mespelli. She married John Essex in Framingham on April 12, 1947. They lived in Framingham and Madison, WI for a short time before settling in the Adams-Friendship area. Family was incredibly important to her. She was a proud housewife who loved raising her two daughters, and she kept in contact with her many beloved sisters, aunts, uncles, nieces and nephews out east over the years. She was incredibly proud to be a first generation American yet cherished her family’s Italian roots.
Ginny loved talking to people and learning new things. She frequently watched PBS and loved documentaries about history, specifically about Wisconsin, but her all time favorite show was “All Creatures Great and Small” (both the old and new versions). She was an avid reader and bird watcher, and frequently sat on her patio with binoculars and birding books. Ginny loved bicycling and watching all sports but closely followed tennis and figure skating. She enjoyed listening to music, especially classical and opera with Puccini’s “Nessun Dorma” as her favorite song.
Virginia was preceded in death by her husband John Essex, daughter Gail Essex, and sisters: Rita Sahr, Dorothy Loker and Elly Walker.
She is survived by her daughter Deborah; grandchildren: Todd Beeman, Devin Beeman, Maria Essex Rowe and Brandon (Jessica) Raimer; great grandchildren: Gavin Beeman, Samantha Beeman, Alyssa Beeman, Kaylee Beeman, Owen Raimer and Marlene Raimer; and sister Jean McCarthey. She will be immensely missed by all who knew her. We will “Watch the stars that tremble with love and with hope” when we think of you.
Debbie I am so sorry to read that your mom passed away. I always so enjoyed visiting with her whenever we would run into one another.
Keeping you and the family in my thoughts and prayers. 🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻
I’m so sorry to hear about Ginny’s passing. I always enjoyed visiting with her when she stopped in at the library. She always had a smile on her face and often shared something she had read about or watched on PBS. She was a dear.
Deb: So sorry to hear of your mother passing. She sure had a great life.
So sorry to hear of your loss, Debby. After all the years that passed, she would always stop and chat with me if we ran into each other somewhere. My thoughts are with you. Linda (Kirchner) Renner
Debby and family, we are so sorry to hear of you Mother’s passing. She was such a joy to visit with and always had a smile to share. She will certainly be missed by many.
Sincere condolences Debbie, regarding the loss of your mother. We worked on many commitees in earlier years at St Josephs.
May she rest in peace. Cherish all the memories.
So sorry for your loss, Debbie.
Ginny was such a nice person, so sad to hear of her passing. Worked with her husband John for many years on C&NW, our condolences to her family. So glad she had Maureen as a neighbor and friend in her later years.
Debby
I send my condolences on your mother’s passing. What a long life with so many memories. I always enjoyed our visits when she came in to the Adams County library. Family was always primary to her. Savory your memories. Jane & Dave Grabarski