On Saturday, October 25, 2008, more than 50 people gathered to celebrate the life of former Chadwick teacher Virginia “Gin” in the Leavenworth Library Learning Center during homecoming weekend. Gin passed away after a short illness in Plymouth, Mass. on Feb. 29, 2008 at the age of 91.
Carol Pelleteri and Shannon McCarthy'64, nieces of Gin Chadwick, traveled from Massachusetts and Colorado for their aunt's memorial.
Gin and her sister Barbara Chadwick McCarthy, who were Commander Joseph Chadwick’s nieces, came to Chadwick in the summer of 1938 to teach summer school; Gin stayed until 1970. After leaving Chadwick, Gin and her longtime friend and former Chadwick teacher Virginia Daniels relocated to the Cape Cod area where Gin taught in public schools until her retirement. Gin was a familiar face on the Chadwick campus, often visiting during homecoming week or for special events. Many of Gin’s former students and teachers from the years often visited Gin in Sandwich, Mass. when they were on the east coast.
During her years at Chadwick, Gin taught English and other subjects, was Director of the Middle School, and served one year as co-director of the school with the late P.G. Lee ’43.
Chair of the Board of Trustees Rick Learned ’62 served as emcee for Gin’s memorial tribute. Other speakers recalled memories including Ralph Mazza ’40 (who Gin knew as a student and fellow teacher); Headmaster Ted Hill; former Middle School Director John Fiske; Christine Bullin ’65; and Gin’s nieces Carol Pelleteri, Linda McCarthy ’60 and Shannon McCarthy ’64.
A luncheon followed where a video was shown of a 1995 homecoming tribute to Gin. Gin’s memorial celebration at Chadwick was also recorded for the archives. If you would like more information about acquiring a copy, e-mail fran.pullara@chadwickschool.org.
A financial aid endowment fund was established at Chadwick in Gin’s honor in 2004. If you would like to make a gift to this fund in Gin’s memory, contact Mary Baldovin in Chadwick’s Development Office at (310) 377-1543.
I was fortunate to visit with Gin at her Sandwich home and during her many visits to campus. I loved hearing her stories of the difficult times in the sixties and I was particularly moved by her unwavering cmmitment to the schoo.
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