Virginia N. Smith

Virginia N. “Ginger” Smith, 88, of Norwich, died peacefully on Monday, November 13, 2023, at the Norwich Rehabilitation and Nursing Center where she has resided for the last few years.

Born on February 12, 1935, in Norwich, Ginger was the daughter of Arthur and Margaret (Marvin) Leonard. She grew up in the Norwich area and attended Norwich Schools. Ginger spent much of her adult life as a homemaker for her family. Once her children were grown, she later moved to Philadelphia, PA for several years before relocating back to Norwich in the early 2000s. She worked at Rite Aid in both Norwich and Philadelphia.

Ginger was a fabulous knitter, an avid reader, enjoyed movies, puzzles, and scrap booking. She had an extensive angel collection, kept up to speed with the British Royal Family, and was a NY Giants fan. Most importantly, she was an exceptional mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother. In recent years, she was a resident at Preston Manor before moving the Norwich Rehabilitation and Nursing Center.

On December 3, 1955, she married Vinson Smith, who predeceased her on April 27, 1975. In 1988, she married James Winner, who predeceased her in 2000.

Ginger is survived by her four children, Penny Smith-Bogert, of Slingerlands, NY, Leonard (Ann Sherif) Smith, of Cleveland, OH, Pamela Baker, of Unadilla, NY, and Kent (Charlene) Smith, of Norwich; grandchildren, Jessica Bogert, Aaron (Tom Larsen) Bogert, Michelle Baker, Charles (Rachel) Baker, Christi (John) Jordan, Juliette (Zachary) Wentworth, and Cassandra Smith; great-grandchildren, Dante Baker, Jackson Baker, Clara Baker, Ella Jordan, Mason Jordan, Riley Wentworth, Carter Wentworth, Molly Burlingame, and Kayden Burlingame; and several nieces and nephews. She was also predeceased by her two sons-in-law, Frederick Meservey and Robert Baker; sister, Ella Bennett; and brother, Norman Leonard.

Ginger’s family would like to thank both Preston Manor and the Norwich Rehabilitation and Nursing Center for the care given to Ginger during her years there.

Family and friends are invited to call at the Wilson Funeral Home on Friday, November 17, 2023, from 4:00 - 6:00 p.m. Interment will be at the South Plymouth Cemetery, in South Plymouth, on Friday, November 17, 2023 at 1:00 p.m. where the Rev. Jamie Potter, will officiate. Contributions in Ginger’s memory may be made to the Alzheimer's Foundation of America, 322 8th Avenue, 16th Floor, New York, NY 10001.