Our beloved matriarch transitioned peacefully to spirit, with family by her side, on Sept. 19, 2021. Virginia, the daughter of Russell and Cora Boyd Nelson, was born in Boothbay Harbor, Maine on Nov. 9, 1927.

“Ginnie” was a natural in the many positions she held in the hospitality business. Eventually, she co-owned Hilltop Guest House with her sister, Georgia. Cora Nelson Mahr, their mother, had purchased the “hill” many years ago.

Ginnie was an avid reader, often finishing several books a week. Her extensive knowledge, sharp mind and witty commentary kept her family “on its toes.” She also knitted love into the many mittens that warmed many hands. Gourmet cooks would find competition in her kitchen, where she gave her own spin on the new recipes she frequently selected. Her signature dishes included baked beans, fish chowder and hundreds of cocktail meatballs (yes, she counted them) that she was asked to prepare for all holiday events.

Spending time at Rangeley and the Scottish Games as one of the Fearsome Four, Barbara Leonard, “Gin” Roberts and Maxine Tourtillotte, provided many adventures. Sharing many horse-related activities with her daughter, Joanne, and granddaughters, Katie and Sarah, brought her much joy. Traveling to Oklahoma to see her daughter compete in the Grand National World Championship Morgan Horse Show was a highlight for her. The 2008 Royal Caribbean cruise with her family was another.

The Christmas season was Ginnie’s favorite. Mrs. Santa Claus couldn’t hold a candle to her decorating, cake and cookie baking, and holiday parties. She enjoyed giving and always appreciated that which she received, a thank-you note was in the mail almost instantly.

Voting, even in her later years with absentee ballots, flying the American flag and attending Sea-Bee reunions with her husband, Howard, were all testimony to her love of country and patriotism. Her love for family was also so apparent.

She is survived by her daughters, Marcia Soler (Don), Joni Sherman (Paul); son-in-law, Roy Lewis Sr.; grandchildren, Holly Churchill (Bob), Heather Andrews (Bill), Jody Lewis (Susan), Katie Yereance (Scott), Tracy Gatchell (Chris), Jennifer Sherman, Sarah Rego (Matthew); nine great-grandchildren and 10 great-great grandchildren. She will be missed by a special niece, Jaime Mansfield and family.

Ginnie was predeceased by her husband, Howard, beloved daughter Joanne Lewis, grandson Roy Alan Lewis Jr., sister and brother-in-law Georgia and Jim Savory, and the father of her children, John B. Reid.

In Ginnie’s memory bake an apple pie for someone you love. If you wish, donations in her name may be made to the Boothbay Harbor Memorial Library, 4 Oak Street, Boothbay Harbor, ME. 04538, or Southport Memorial Library, 1032 Hendricks Hill Road, Southport, ME. 04576.

Arrangements are entrusted to Hall Funeral Home and Cremation Services. Due to Covid-19 and Delta Variants, services will be private.