Virginia L. Howard

WEST BOYLSTON-Virginia L. “Ginny” (Cousins) Howard, 88, passed away Friday, September 30 in Sterling Village after a period of declining health.

Her husband of 45 years, Merlin S. Howard passed away in 1998. She leaves two daughters, Deborah L. Vandoros and her husband, Angelo of Brimfield and Linda Ritter and her husband Robert, of Austin, TX; four grandchildren, Jason Vandoros of Brimfield, Anthula Vandoros of Albany, NY, William Ritter and his wife, Kelli if Midlothian, VA and Kathleen Ritter and her husband, David of Austin, TX; four great-grandchildren, Calvin, Benjamin, David, and Lyle Ritter; a sister, Patricia B. Persson of Worcester and nieces and nephews. Three siblings, James Cousins, Jr., Jean A. Onstott and Ruth Perry predeceased her. She was born in Lynchburg, VA daughter of James and Isabella (Waters) Cousins She moved to the Oakdale section of West Boylston as a child and was educated in West Boylston schools.

Virginia was the secretary to the Superintendent of the West Boylston School Department for many years, retiring in 1998.  She was longtime active member of Oakdale United Methodist Church. Ginny loved participated in church activities, spending time with family and friends, and watching her favorite team, the Boston Red Sox.

A Graveside Service will be held Saturday, October 8 at 11am in Mount Vernon Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to, the Samaritan’s Purse, St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, or the Mission Fund at Oakdale United Methodist Church.