On October 9, 2023, Virginia Ann McEwan Kubiak, affectionately known as Ginny, peacefully left this world with her devoted husband, Rick, and cherished daughter, Alison, enveloping her in their loving embrace. Ginny's journey through life was marked by an unwavering spirit, boundless compassion, and an enduring commitment to her family and community.

Her story is one of love, resilience, and the profound impact one person can have on the lives of others. Throughout her life, she exemplified strength and grace in the face of adversity, particularly in her brave and valiant battle against ovarian cancer. Her courage in confronting this formidable foe served as an inspiration to all who knew her, a testament to her determination to live life to its fullest, even in the most challenging circumstances. Her journey was marked by moments of triumph and unwavering hope that serve as a powerful reminder of the strength of the human spirit.

Ginny's journey began in Winston-Salem, North Carolina, where she was surrounded by the love of her parents, Virginia and Joseph McEwan. She leaves behind her beloved siblings, Beverly Head (Steve) of Raleigh, NC, and Charles McEwan (Judy) of Austin, TX, along with nieces and nephews who held a special place in her heart: Stephanie Hall (TC) of Raleigh, NC, Elizabeth Wood (Randy) of Gulf Shores, AL, Joe McEwan (Jennifer) of Austin, TX, and Trent McEwan (Stephanie) of Alpharetta, GA. Ginny's extended family remained close to her despite the physical distances that separated them. Family was the cornerstone of Ginny's life, and she cherished every moment spent together.

Facing the challenge of illness, Ginny found solace in crafting her own obituary, an act of immense importance to her. With a mixture of heartfelt sincerity and a touch of humor, Ginny's words resonate:

"My journey has been one filled with laughter, love, and more laughter, but now it's time to embark on the next adventure. Regrettably, this isn't a choice I had much say in, no matter how stubbornly I tried to exert control.

I hailed from the vibrant town of Winston-Salem, NC, a place where memories of my childhood still warm my heart. As a young woman, I was active in our church’s youth activities, the International Order for the Rainbow of Girls, Brownies and Girl Scouts.

After graduating from Parkland High School in 1970, I set my sights on East Carolina University, not for a degree in just cooking and sewing, as some have jokingly assumed, but for an education degree with an emphasis in Home Economics.

Let me clear the air: our curriculum wasn't just about mixing ingredients or threading needles; it included organic and inorganic chemistry, anatomy and physiology (yes, cadavers were involved), physics, philosophy, and let's not forget the 'unbearable' math, among other subjects.

My very first job led me to Howells Child Care Center in Kinston, NC, a place designed for profoundly handicapped children. Alongside a group of adults from the State Mental Hospital, I took on the role of teaching not just social skills but also the art of caring for each child and helping them understand their unique limitations and needs. We even had these adults learn to live independently, shop, balance check registers, handle social situations, and yes, even cook and clean their homes (trailers tucked away at the back of the facility). And as if that wasn't enough, I had the great pleasure of taking all 16 of my wards on vacation to fully immerse them in 'societal situations.'

In 1976, I embarked on a new adventure in Bel Air, MD, as a teacher at Edgewood Senior High School. It was there that I became an assistant coach for girls' basketball and softball, but not without a hiccup: the previous year had ended with a rather bitter teacher's strike. You see, I was a bit out of my element when it came to union matters, and I had to quickly learn what in the world a 'scab' was. Despite such challenges, I found my way and developed lifelong friendships.

Now, here comes the romantic part of my story: I first crossed paths with my husband, Rick, in 1975 at the wedding of our best friends in Winston-Salem, NC. It took another two years for our paths to cross again, but this time, with our friends playing matchmakers, and our love story took flight.

Upon returning from his post in Okinawa, Japan, Rick was stationed at Quantico Marine Corps Base, and for two years, we traveled back and forth. Then came the 'big' proposal moment - a truly unforgettable and incredibly romantic event, I assure you. Right outside the jewelry store, Rick turned to me and casually said, 'I guess you want this.' We tied the knot at Quantico on May 23, 1981, on a breathtakingly beautiful day, surrounded by our dear friends and family.

Our first home, which we purchased in January of that year, was where we began our life together, complete with our first 'kid,' Willie. For those of you not in the know, Willie was our pet goat. We spent 35 wonderful years at our home on Alps Drive, a small house nestled on 4.5 acres, offering the best of both worlds - close to town yet with plenty of space around us.

But the most thrilling day of our lives arrived on April 20, 1984, when Alison, our beloved daughter, made her debut. Life truly began that day, and our world revolved around our adoration for her. She was a joyous child and has grown into a remarkable adult, defying description.

Throughout my professional journey, I had the privilege of working with diverse institutions, including Fiber Materials, Inc., and the National Association of Industrial and Office Parks, where I even earned my Certification in Association Management.

In the early 1990s, a fortunate twist of fate led me back into the realm of education, a return that brought me immense satisfaction and the opportunity to embrace a career I held dear. This transition had multiple blessings; not only did it provide me with the stability of a profession I loved, but it also allowed me to cherish precious moments with Alison.

My teaching journey commenced at Potomac Senior High School, where I wholeheartedly devoted myself to my students. Remarkably, some of the most extraordinary students remain cherished parts of my life to this very day.

In addition to work and family responsibilities, my passion for knowledge continued to burn brightly. During this period, I achieved the remarkable feat of earning not one, but two Master's Degrees. The first was in Curriculum and Instruction, and the second was in Administration and Supervision, both proudly conferred by George Mason University.

As my career evolved, I seamlessly transitioned into an administrative role at Woodbridge Senior High School, ultimately marking the culmination of my professional life. It was here that I discovered a profound connection with my students, fellow teachers, and dedicated support staff. This sense of community was the missing piece I had longed for during my hiatus from teaching, and these meaningful connections continued to hold a special place in my heart, enduring well into my retirement years.

Speaking of which, retirement brought us to Ocean Pines, MD, for what we thought would be our final chapter to span 20 or 30 years. But one thing remains certain - this is my final stomping ground. We've been blessed to make incredible friends here, settling into our home in Colonial Village. Our neighbors have made life incredibly wonderful, and the tranquility of Ocean City's beach was an unexpected bonus. I spent my days playing golf with a fantastic group of ladies, joined a book club (which I enjoyed, even when it got a tad rowdy), volunteered at Coastal Hospice and the Richard Henson Infusion Center, and became a proud member of the Quilters by the Sea guild, the Republican Women of Worcester County and the Community Church at Ocean Pines.

My life has been a rich tapestry, intricately woven with threads of friendship, indelible memories, celebrated victories, and, of course, a few delightful hiccups along the way. I am eternally grateful that my journey led me down this unique path, and I cannot fathom embarking on this remarkable adventure in any other way.

Ovarian cancer, unfortunately, doesn't leave you with much time. I knew tears would come, but I'm striving to make my final days ones filled with joy, and to focus on the incredible memories that will accompany me. And as for some of my early escapades, well, I just hope God was taking a nap during those moments. Thankfully, I'm not running for President, but I am immensely grateful for my wonderful husband, whom I've loved for 42 years, and for my daughter of 39 years, who has made my life absolutely incredible. I owe all of this to God and my loving family!"

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