Virginia B. Lewis

Virginia B. Lewis, 84 of Beaver Dams, went to be in the arms of her Lord on Tuesday, November 22, 2022, following a brief illness at Robert Packer Hospital, surrounded by her loving family members.  “Ginger”, as she was fondly called was born in Waverly, NY on September 3, 1938 to the late James H. and Avis M. (Kentch) Bailey.

In addition to her parents, she was predeceased by her husband, Robert C. Lewis, daughter, Jan (Lewis) Theisen, and brother, Alfred Bailey.

She is survived by her four children, William (Penny) Lewis of Burdett, NY, Kathi (Lewis) Burt of Pearland, TX, Patricia (Lewis) Crowley (Scott Grebleski) of Beaver Dams, NY, Mike (Connie) Lewis of Pine City, NY; her sister, Carlene (Clifford) Freeman of Lancaster, SC, her sister-in-law, Carol Bailey of Corning, NY; 13 grandchildren; 20 great-grandchildren who she loved and adored; several nieces and nephews; and her nearest and dearest friend/cousin, Carole Clemens of Horseheads, NY.

Ginger attended Southside High School, where she graduated class of 1956.  After graduation, she went to work for Elmira Bell Telephone Company.   She then went on to work for St. Joseph’s Hospital, where she was the manager of the billing department until her diagnosis of multiple sclerosis at the age of 35.

Ginger was diligent in co-founding the Chemung Valley Multiple Sclerosis Association and was a dedicated member for many years.  She was also a wonderful baker and was noted for her beautiful wedding and birthday cakes.  One of Ginger’s greatest pleasures was spending time on Seneca Lake on her son’s boat with her family.

A memorial service will be celebrated for Ginger at 1 pm on Saturday, December 3, 2022 at Olthof Funeral Home, 1050 Pennsylvania Avenue, Elmira, NY 14904.

In lieu of flowers, those wishing may remember Ginger through donations to the National Multiple Sclerosis Society of Upstate New York, 421 New Karner Road, Suite 6, Albany, NY 12205.