BELMONT ---- Virginia “Ginger” Wells-Kay, 77, died at Concord Hospital in Concord, on Friday, October 24, 2025.
She was born October 7, 1948 in Gowanda, NY the daughter of Roger W. Wells and Janice (Becker) Wells.
Ginger spent her formative years in Gowanda and often recalled many fond childhood memories with her family. Upon graduating from high school, she moved to Washington, D.C. to pursue her love of art, politics and new cuisines to explore through her love of gourmet cooking. After earning her degree in Art Therapy from George Washington University, she began her career working mainly with children with disabilities. She later earned a Master’s degree (MSW) in Clinical Social Work and continued working with children and their families.
While in Washington, D.C. she met Bob Kay, whom she married in 1979. They moved to Maine and then later to Laconia for work opportunities. In 1986 they finished building their home in Belmont, where they remained.
Later, she also found great peace and joy in gardening. She earned a Master Gardener certification from the UNH Cooperative Extension. She was very knowledgeable about horticulture and founded a business designing, installing and maintaining gardens for homeowners and businesses throughout the Lakes Region. She was also an accomplished artist, working mostly in water colors.
The environment and social justice issues took a forefront in everything she did. She was a strong advocate for environmental policies that protect the planet and she actively supported many local charities and organizations including: Hands Across the Table (HATT), Isaiah 61 Café, Belknap House, New Beginnings and the Belmont Public Library.
She loved to be outdoors, and enjoyed tending her home gardens, working with the Belmont Conservation Commission, kayaking on local ponds, walking nature trails and golfing with her husband at Bolduc Park.
She was an active member of St. James Episcopal Church, where she served on the Altar Guild, Church Vestry and social outreach projects.
Ginger is survived by her husband of 46 years, Bob, their two children and her beloved Cardigan Welsh Corgis. Along with her parents she is predeceased by her sister Nancy.
Services will be private.
Those who wish to make a memorial donation in Ginger’s memory may wish to consider any of the organizations named above which she supported during her lifetime.
Wilkinson-Beane-Simoneau-Paquette Funeral Home & Cremation Services/603Cremations.com, 164 Pleasant St., Laconia, NH, 03246, is assisting the family with arrangements. For more information and to view an online memorial, please visit wilkinsonbeane.com.