Virginia A. Hall of Oak Bluffs died peacefully at home on Monday, Jan. 12, surrounded by family and friends, after a courageous battle with cancer. She was 74.
Born in Oak Bluffs to Manuel and Jeanette Costa in 1940, Ginny, as she was widely known, attended the Oak Bluffs school system. After graduating from high school in 1958, she attended hairdressing school, and earned a state license for cosmetology. She married Fred W. Hall in 1961, and together they built a house and raised their family in Oak Bluffs. Fred predeceased her in February 1993.
Virginia worked for many years in Oak Bluffs as a hairdresser at Jean’s beauty shop. In the late ’70s Ginny was offered an opportunity at the Martha’s Vineyard Shipyard as head bookkeeper, after her sister, Patricia Costa, retired from that position to assume her elected position as town treasurer for Oak Bluffs. During her decade of service for the Martha’s Vineyard Shipyard, Virginia was asked to christen the first custom-made Vineyard Vixen, named Fox. After the ceremony, the boat owners insisted that they would not conduct the maiden voyage unless Ginny was on board. So without further ado, she closed up business for the day, boarded the Fox, and enjoyed a half-day sail that she would reminisce about for the rest of her life.
After her retirement, Ginny took on a number of summer jobs in town to stay busy and connected with the many friends and acquaintances she had made over the years
When time and health permitted, Ginny took great joy in volunteering in events close to home, and truly loved helping those in need; she never refused buying chances or tickets to help. She was generous in the local community.
Although Ginny was a warm and loving mother to her children, she epitomized all the very best parts of a dedicated and doting grandmother to her babies, whom she was extremely proud of, and with whom she cherished every moment. Later in life, Virginia found peace in simplicity: home, family, friends.
Ginny is survived by her daughter Heather Hall-Holt and her husband Leon Holt of Natick; her son Fred Hall and his wife Helene Hall of Oak Bluffs. Her babies (grandchildren) are Lucas and Myles Holt and Skylar C. Hall, and her older grandchildren, Danielle Smith and her husband Nigel Smith, Jillian Sedlier, and Kara Marshall. Virginia was predeceased by her husband, Fred W. Hall, and her parents, Manuel and Jeanette Costa, and also by her sisters Patricia Costa and Julienne Marshall. In addition, she is survived by many nieces, nephews, and beloved friends.
A graveside service will be held at the Oak Grove Cemetery, Pacific Avenue, Oak Bluffs, on Feb. 14, at 12 pm; the Rev. Michael Nagle will officiate. A reception will follow at the P.A. Club. Donations may be made in her memory to Hospice of MV, PO Box 1748, Vineyard Haven, MA 02568. Arrangements are under the care of the Chapman, Cole & Gleason Funeral Home, Edgartown Road, Oak Bluffs. Visit ccgfuneralhome.com for online guest book and information.