URBANA – Virginia R. Timpone, loving mother and wife, passed in peace with her family by her side at 11:16 p.m. Friday (Jan. 19, 2018) at United Regional Medical Center, Manchester, Tenn.
Ginger, as she was known to most, was born on Jan. 4, 1956, in Rantoul to Anthony and Hazel Remesch; she was the seventh of eight children.
She was preceded in death by her beloved son, Raymond N. Timpone; her sister, Mary Remesch Waller; and her brother, Michael Remesch.
She is survived by her devoted husband and best friend, Raymond M. Timpone Jr; her cherished children, Nicholas (Gabrielle) Timpone of Lake Forest and Natalie Timpone of London, England; her grandson, Ryan Timpone; and her siblings, Jeanne Grady, Kathy Sarnecki, Tony Remesch, David Remesch and Monica Munds; along with many beloved nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.
Raised in St. Joseph, she graduated from St. Joseph High School in 1974. She went on to attend Saint Mary of the Woods in Terre Haute, Ind., where she studied art and science.
Blessed with a creative mind, Ginger originally dreamed of designing and illustrating science textbooks. Wishing to be closer to family, Ginger moved back to Champaign and attended Parkland College. It was this decision that allowed life's fate to lead her to work at The Jolly Roger Jr. and, more importantly, to meet the love of her life. Ray and Ginger, alongside countless family and friends, were married at Urbana Country Club on Aug. 14, 1982.
Returning in 1984 from their time in San Francisco, Calif., Ginger and Ray opened the Urbana landmark restaurant and family cornerstone, Timpone's Ristorante. Ginger's artistic instincts and passion to create naturally led her to the culinary arts.
Always curious, seeking new knowledge and perfection, Ginger decided to pursue a culinary degree. She attended the New York School of Pastry with Alfred Kuman in 1989, where she studied baking and the art of pastry. Additionally, in 1998 she studied at the Greenbrier Resort in White Sulphur Springs, W.Va.
For 30-plus years, Ginger refined and mastered her unique gift. She was terribly proud of "The Restaurant," of the community it created, and of the fond memories it marked for so many special family and friends, memories that will last a lifetime. For those lucky enough to indulge, Ginger will forever be famous for her creme brulee and bread puddings, along with many, many other original recipes.
Ginger was a devout Catholic, and her deep spiritually was a foundation of her life. She was a proud and active member of St. Patrick's Parish. From 2008 to 2017, Ginger served as the trustee of St. Patrick's Parish Council, as well as a chairperson of the capital campaign to remodel St. Patrick's Parish. She became very close to her parish family, who blessed her immensely with love, support and care.
In addition, Ginger was always involved in the community and in her children's schools. She was an active volunteer at Holy Cross Grade School, and she was a benefactor that helped drive the construction of Saint Thomas More. She took pride in championing Catholic education for the community and her family, often participating in fundraising events, charities, school plays and sporting events. She thirsted for knowledge, embracing the adage that education is a ceaseless pursuit.
One of Ginger's greatest passions was working with her hands to build and design, which she learned from her father, Anthony. She loved sewing. She handcrafted her children's and family's Halloween costumes. She loved design. She took great pride in remodeling her lake house in Shangri-La with her brother and friend, David Remesch.
She loved to garden. She would spend hours meticulously tending to her garden and her flowers. She was at her heart a creative and active woman who loved to leave her special mark on all things she touched and encountered.
Some of Ginger's most satisfying memories were spent in Florida with family. She loved walking the beach, scouring the sand for seashells, and watching the dolphins roll in the waters. It was here that Ginger was able to spend her last few weeks of her life with her family. It was here that she was most at peace.
Perhaps what Ginger will be most remembered for was her generous heart and unwavering selflessness. She lived her life with incredible compassion, thoughtfulness and support to all. She was a pseudo mom to nearly all she met, the kind of person you wanted to sit next to because you know she would make you laugh and make you feel loved. Ginger found the best in the people around her, laughed whenever possible, and faced hard times with grace. Her incredible compassion, humor, wit, patience, empathy and eagerness to bring love and laughter to all will be missed by family, friends and the community.
She lived and embodied to perfection the Timpone family motto, "No matter what, we always stick together." She was one of a kind: a devoted sister, a loving wife, a giving mother and joyous grandmother.
Our family would like to express our gratitude to the team of nurses and staff at Christie Clinic for their love and compassion in caring for Ginger.
A visitation will be held at St. Patrick's Parish Center (708 W. Main St., Urbana) from 4 to 7 p.m. Sunday, Jan. 28. Memorial Mass will be held at St. Patrick's Church at 10 a.m. Monday, Jan. 29. Friends and family are invited to attend
the luncheon immediately following the service at the parish center. Burial will take place after lunch at Woodlawn Cemetery, Urbana.
In lieu of other expressions of sympathy, the family suggestions that memorials be made to St. Patrick's Parish, 708 W. Main, Urbana.
Condolences may be offered at www.owensfuneralhomes.com.
News-Gazette 1/24/2018
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