Virginia H. Zwicker
February 28, 1939 ~ December 18, 2016
Virginia H. (Pidge) Zwicker, 77, formerly of Higgins Beach, died peacefully on Sunday, Dec. 18, 2016, at the Gosnell Memorial Hospice House with her loving family by her side.
Pidge was born in Melrose, Mass., the daughter of the late Rudolph and Virginia P. (Haven) Camberlain. She graduated from Melrose High School in 1947. On Oct. 31, 1959, she married Kenneth J. Zwicker. The family moved to Scarborough and later to Portland in 1975. Pidge continued her education later in life at the University of Southern Maine taking courses of interest, such as Psychology, Italian, Drawing, and Sculpting as well as private art lessons.
She worked for a brief time at WPOR and at central office for the Portland Public School District before going to her most fulfilling job as secretary at the West School's "Prep Program." Pidge was dearly loved by colleagues and students. She was awarded Secretary of the Year during her tenure because of her dedication, compassion, and commitment to bettering the lives of the under privileged students.
Pidge had many interests. She loved all music, but especially the voice and music of Luciano Pavarotti. She was a talented artist who worked in many different mediums, such as colored pencil, water color, pen and ink, block print, and sculpting. Pidge was a veracious reader with a bountiful lending library. She also enjoyed gardening. She loved unconditionally and donated to a plethora of charities, but her greatest love and enjoyment was the time she spent with her family and close friends.
Virginia was predeceased by her husband of 48 years, Kenneth J. Zwicker, in 2008. She is survived by one son, Scott, and his wife Cindy Zwicker of Westbrook, two daughters, Bonnie and her husband, Greg Hicks, of Windham and Amy Mihill, of Portland; four grandchildren, Sarah Zwicker of Westbrook, Hannah and her husband Kenny Willette of Stonington, Eliza Hicks and Samuel Hicks both of Windham; two great-grandchildren, Vito Toto of Windham and Daya Howard of Stonington; two brothers, Robert and his wife Linda Camberlain and Michael and his wife Sue Camberlain, both of Massachusetts; several cousins, nieces and nephews.
Visiting hours will be held on Wednesday, Dec. 21, 2016, from 12:00 to 2:30 p.m. at the Conroy-Tully Walker South Portland Chapel, 1024 Broadway, South Portland. A service will follow at the chapel at 2:30 p.m. with the Rev. Philip Shearman officiating. Burial will be private in Melrose, Mass.
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im very sorry for the loss of virgina if u need anything dont hesatate to call love to sll
– The Fairbrother family
Bonnie, I am so sorry for your loss. May the warm memories you’ve experienced during your lifetime help fill the void now existing for you and your family.Hugs and prayers,Pauline
– Pauline McCarthy
Dear Scott, Bonnie, Amy and family,A rare gem, your mother, my dear friend, has departed this world. The rarity of a gem depends on where it is found, its composition, character and refraction. Amid a school for disadvantaged, challenged youth (P.R.E.P.), I quickly saw the brilliant light shining from your mother (a gem). We were both on staff there and became fast friends. The composition of her character was unmatched: respectful, loving, instructive, gracious, creative, discerning, charming and witty. She loved those children. I have been so blessed, as many, to have had such a precious gem as my friend. There will never be another like her in all the world. She loved you and your children all so very much. This world is a better place because of her. She lives on in all of you. Please accept my deepest sympathies. I am heartbroken she’s gone; but, consoled she rests in God’s peace. It seems it was just yesterday we walked along the Promenade, drank coffees at Patricia Lane, strolled along Higgins Beach and stopped off for fries with vinegar in Cape Elizabeth. God bless you all, take comfort in knowing how precious she was and how precious to her heart you were and always be.Love, Pat
– Pat Yerrington
Scott, Cindy and Sarah – So sorry for your loss! I will be thinking of you all and keeping your family in my thoughts and prayers. – with sympathy Cathy
– Cathy McCarthy Melchin
Thinking of you at this difficult time. May wonderful memories sustain you.
– Pamela Comoletti
Bonnie, I am so sorry for the loss of your beautiful mother. You have been your mom’s guiding light and angel through a very difficult time. In her heart, she knows all you have done for her. I am home sick today and am unable to pay my respects to you and your family but please know that my thoughts and sympathies are with you. Big hugs.
– Jackie Elliott
My deepest condolences,Jinny was an amazing giving women to all who knew her we had some wonderful conversations at the many Christmas parties given by her friend Elaine , we talked and shared stories she was alway so encouraging and up lifting even in her own pain she would never let on,she was loving and generous to both of my children the last wonderful memory I have was sitting at her home she had prepared a tea party for Elaine and I,I cherish each moment spent in her presence.Love and prayers for each of you during this difficult time.
– Rita DowCartonio-Wilbur
I miss you every day nana and wish I could give you one more kiss and tell you I love you. I miss when you use to tickle my arm.
– Sarah Zwicker
My condolences go out to the Zwicker family. Ginny was a great person she will be sadly missed and loved . She inspired so many of her students at PREP I was one of them. I will never forget her beautiful smile and tender ways… Rest in peace my friend fly high with the angels.. Till we meet again…God bless
– Dawna Mitchell
Scott, Cindy, SarahMy sincere condolences on the loss of Pidge. Hang on to the many happy memories you had with her.With sympathy, Janet
– Janet Lund
So sorry to hear of Pidge’s passing. Truly one of the nicest people I have ever met. Her grace and charm were surpassed only by her intelligence and biting wit. My thoughts and prayers are with you during ths difficult time.
– Mary Johnson
So sorry Amy, Hannah, and family. A classy, funny, and lovely lady! You are in our thoughts and prayers.
– Jenn Linskey
I just want you to know how terribly sorry I am that you have lost Pidge. I am Pat’s companion and visit Sedgewood often. Your mother was such a lovely and warm person. I miss her smile.Please take care of yourselves, Hilliary Townsend
– Hilliary Townsend
We are sorry to hear that our great friend of many years has left us! we have so many great memories, we will always remember Pedge! Our very best to the family, and God bless!
– Paul & Cynthia Johnson
Scott, Bonnie & AmySo sad to hear Aunt Pidge passed away. She was a kind and wonderful person. We will always remember her at the Zwicker reunions and holidays at Nana and grampy’s house. May she rest in peace.
– Richard & Cindy Zwicker
to Bonnie and family , so sorry of the passing of your mom. I bet she was a lovely lady. Just like me now. I lost my mom Feb 7 2016. Miss her a lot. So sorry for your loss. She is in peace and at my family home Conroy Tully. Have a great break and Christmas see you in 2017.Kristen Tully
– kristen Tully
To Bonnie and family- I am so very sorry for your loss. My thoughts are with you now and throughout the holiday season. <3
- Samantha Koetsier
Ginny and I worked together at PREP (Portland Rehabilitation Education Program) back in the day. I can honestly say there was never a day that went by that we didn’t have a good laugh. Rest in peace dear Ginny. Love, Jane Mack
– Jane Mack