Virginia Ives Stephens

Virginia Ives Stephens, age 82, of Storrs, passed away Tuesday, September 7, 2010 at Manchester Manor. Born January 7, 1928 in Torrington, CT, she was the daughter of Sherman Kimberly and Lida Skilton Ives. She was a 1945 graduate of Litchfield High School. She attended the University of CT, graduating with a Bachelor's of Science in Business Administration in 1949. She earned a Master's of Science in Education from Eastern CT State University in 1972. Jinny worked for many years in Mansfield CT as an instructional assistant and Title 1 teacher at Northwest (now called Goodwin), Southeast and Vinton schools. She was an active member of Storrs Congregational Church serving as a Sunday School teacher and on The Women's Fellowship, Deacons, Outreach, and Properties Boards. Jinny was the Storrs Congregational delegate at WAIM (Windham Area Interfaith Ministry), a Cub Scout Den Mother, and a Girl Scout Leader. Girl Scouting was a large part of her life. Jinny was a Green Circle Facilitator and was honored with the Girl Scout "Thanks Badge Award". This award recognizes an adult volunteer whose performance is truly outstanding and benefits the total council or the entire Girl Scout movement. She is predeceased in death by her husband of 59 years Jack E. Stephens; and four siblings: Alden Ives, Bradford Ives, Esther Coulombe, and Carolyn Lincoln. She is survived by her four children, Jay Stephens and wife Joyce of Dover, NH, Jerry Stephens and wife Kathleen of Bozeman, MT, Jill Hastings and husband Philip of Goffstown, NH, Jana Sime and husband James of East Hartford, CT. She is also survived by grandchildren, Jonathan and wife Cara, Johanna and husband Steve, Max, Samantha, Scott, Emily, William, and Andrew, and two great-grandchildren, Angelina and Madeleine. Her family will receive friends at Potter Funeral Home, 456 Jackson St., Rte. 195, Willimantic on Friday, September 17, 2010 from 6 to 8 pm. A memorial service will be held Saturday, September 18, 2010 at 2 pm at the Storrs Congregational Church, 2 North Eagleville Rd., Storrs. Burial will be private in the Storrs Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may by made to Girl Scouts of Connecticut, Attn: Martie Kaczmarek, 340 Washington Street, Hartford, CT 06106 or to Storrs Congregational Church, 2 North Eagleville Rd, Storrs, CT 06268. Please visit www.potterfh.com for directions and online memorial guestbook.