Eleanor Virginia “Ginny” Maxfield, of Portland, died Aug. 24, 2015, while surrounded by her family.

Ginny was born in Peabody, Massachusetts, on Feb. 7, 1928, to Fred and Clara Reed and had a brother Selwyn. She married Otis Maxfield in 1947 and together they had five children: Janet Duncan, Susan Garrett, Lois Jones, Andy and Tim Maxfield. Eight grandchildren and five great grandchildren followed, enriching her life.

Over the years, Ginny was always eager to open her heart and the family home to many students, friends, and church members. Ginny had many loves, all of which uplifted those around her. From singing in church choirs to starting her own after-school program and running a family restaurant in Boothbay Harbor, Maxfield’s Harbour High, wherever she lived she was always connecting with new and old friends.

In her full life, Ginny loved to garden, walk her dogs, knit and sew, and was an avid reader. With her husband at her side, she loved to travel, sail, enjoy the symphony, and to share stories at the kitchen table or in front of the fire. Ginny had a gift for design and making a house a home; including those they shared in Springfield, Massachusetts, Columbus, Ohio, Greenwich, Connecticut, Newburyport and Andover, Massachusetts, and Boothbay Harbor and Portland. Her most favorite place for a morning coffee and a beautiful sunset was on Louds Island on Muscongus Sound.

Ginny will be remembered for her generous heart and love for family and friends. Ginny lived a life of great love, full of laughter, fierce loyalty to the ones she loved, and with a mastery of forgiveness.

A celebration of her life will be held at the First Parish Church in Gorham, on Saturday, Sept. 5, at 1 p.m. with a reception to follow.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the Friends of the Kotzschmar Organ at www.foko.org. For online condolences, please visit the funeral home website at www.athutchins.com.