Virginia Gates Hinman Linden Musical Life at First Congregational Church of Willimantic Spanned 50 years Virginia Linden, retired organist of the First Congregational Church in Willimantic, Connecticut, died peacefully on February 3rd at age 94. Virginia was born in Windham in 1909 to Connecticut Supreme and Superior Court Justice George E. Hinman and Nettie Pellet Williams Hinman. She graduated from Windham High School in 1927 and received a degree in English and Music in 1930 from Connecticut College, where she was affectionately known as "Ginnie" and "Peanut". Virginia began her musical life at the church at age ten when she played for the Church's Sunday school classes. An accomplished pipe organist, she studied under respected Connecticut organist Clarence Waters. From 1942-1980, Virginia was the Organist and Choir Director at First Congregational Church. She was elected a Colleague of the American Guild of Organists in 1947; that year she also founded the Willimantic Oratorio Society, which she directed until 1951. She was instrumental in the design of the Aeolian Skinner pipe organ which was installed at the Church in 1953. 'Ginnie" was an active member of the Fairview Players and was an avid theatergoer. Community activities included serving on the Board of Education for the town of Windham from 1950-1960, and volunteer service at Windham Hospital. She was known in the community as a proper lady with a laugh that ranged an "entire musical scale" and who carried on the traditions of the Hinman family. Virginia had two children, Andra and Diane, from her first marriage to Everett McCall Allen. She married the Reverend Earl G. Linden in 1973. Virginia was predeceased by Rev. Linden and Andra Kiss. Surviving are her daughter, Diane V. Hinman-Guggolz, and six grandchildren. A public memorial service will be held at the First Congregational Church in Willimantic on Saturday, February 21 at 11am, followed by a reception. Donations in lieu of flowers should be given to the Music Committee of the First Congregational Church in Willimantic. Arrangements through the Potter Funeral Home, Willimantic.. Please visit at
www.potterfh.com
for online memorial guestbook.