Obituary of Virginia B. Hutchins

Virginia B. Hutchins, “Ginny”, 94, died peacefully at home with her daughters by her side on January 25, 2022. Ginny was next to the youngest of 12 children born into the tightly-knit farm family of Seth and Ethel Bradstreet in Albion, Maine. Small in stature, Ginny's competitive edge was an asset to her softball and basketball teams. Ginny's oratory skills carried her throughout life as a leader in the many varied organizations in which she participated. Ginny graduated Valedictorian from Besse High in Albion and became a Registered Nurse at Eastern Maine General Hospital in Bangor. Ginny was a member of the nursing corps during World War II and continued to combine her kind gentle manner with her nursing skills at hospitals, the University of Maine Infirmary, nursing homes, and in State Department health centers at the foreign posts where she lived with her family. Ginny was a member of The Church of Universal Fellowship in Orono for 60 years, most recently attending services online. Ginny was active in International Women’s clubs in Africa, Asia, and Europe; she was a member of the General Federation of Women's clubs at home in Maine, local garden clubs, and a Girl Scout leader. She was an active member of her schools' alumni associations and a founding member of the West Quoddy Head Light Keepers Association in Lubec. Ginny worked hard with organizations to raise money for local needs and especially for scholarships to be awarded to students aspiring in the nursing field. Ginny enjoyed being outside in her flower gardens, walking along beaches and hiking trails in the many countries where she lived. Ginny was an excellent creative cook, seamstress, quilter, crafter, and she carried on the family art of crewel embroidery. The Hutchins kept their door and dinner table open to friends dropping in; you knew you were always welcome and that there was an open seat at the dinner table for you. Ginny was predeceased in 2019 by her husband, Deane L. Hutchins, MD, of 69 years, and in 2012 by her son-in-law, Thomas. Ginny is survived by her younger brother Seth (Betty), her 4 daughters: Jean (Roger), Sally, Nancy (Tom), and Becky; 9 grandchildren and 7 great-grandchildren; many nieces, nephews, grand-nieces, grand-nephews, dear friends, and neighbors from around the world. A celebration of Virginia’s life will be held later this spring. In lieu of flowers, a memorial contribution in Virginia's name may be made to either the Husson University's Nursing Program, Husson University, c/o Advancement Office, 1 College Circle, Bangor ME 04401 or to the West Quoddy Head Light Keepers’ Association, P.O. Box 84, Lubec, ME 04652