Virginia Gertrude Symmes of Andover died peacefully on January 21, 2011 one month after her 98th birthday at Wingate Andover where she has resided since fall of 2009.
Virginia was born on December 17, 1912 in Everett, Massachusetts. She lived with her parents, Orra and Effie Horsman and her sisters, Phyllis and Margaret in Braintree during her school years. After graduating from Braintree High School with honors, Virginia attended Boston University.
A short ten years after her marriage to Raymond York Grace, Raymond died in a boating accident whereupon Virginia became head of household, learning to drive a car, working at Boston Real Estate Board, Sigma Instruments in Braintree, and lastly Polaroid where she was slated to be personal assistant to Edwin Land, its founder. On discovering that the position would not be challenging, she opted instead to be administrative assistant to Mac Both who years later became President, CEO, and Chairman of Polaroid.
Virginia had deep belief in responsibility and in helping others. She put her sons Wesley and Roger through colleges, Cornell University and Wentworth Institute. When someone needed a friend, Virginia was there. After Edith Tarbox’ husband died, although Virginia did not know her well, she sought her company. When Herb Sandwin’s wife, Billie lost her sight, Virginia befriended her and spent many years visiting with the Sandwin family.
Virginia was multi-talented, sewing stylish overcoats, knitting sweaters, painting in oils, carving wooden birds, and producing flowers and vegetables in her garden. She loved the out of doors and the arts and strove to introduce her sons to both. Day trips to Museum of Fine Arts, camping trips to Acadia National Park and Bear Brook State Park in Gorham, NH, and motor trips to Quebec City were special treats.
At a high school reunion, she met an old acquaintance and rekindled friendship with Russell Symmes whom she married in 1962. They lived happily in Westwood for 38 years enjoying company of many friends.
Virginia is survived by her son, Wesley and daughter-in-law Kay, their sons, David and Jeff, grandson, Mark, son of Roger, deceased, step son, Douglass Symmes, and six great-grand children, Rachel, Maddox, Owen, Sara, Joseph and Hunter.
There will be a private burial. A memorial service will be announced. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to Merrimack Valley Hospice, 360 Merrimack St., Lawrence, Ma. 01843.. Arrangements are by The Charles Dewhirst Andover Funeral Home, 33 Pearson Street, Andover.