Virginia H. Zwicker Obituary (1939

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.