Virginia Budness, animal welfare advocate

Virginia M. Budness, 75, of Ocean View, daughter of the late William and Rita (Dugré) Robertson, died peacefully in her home Sunday, April 22, 2018, surrounded by her three children, Lynn, Keith and Gretchen.

Ginger was a 1960 graduate of Chicopee High School. She attended Wesson Memorial Hospital’s Radiology program and became an X-ray technician. She later furthered her career becoming an ultra sonographer. They built their dream home on the rolling hills of Bernardston, Mass. She retired in 2005. One of Ginger’s proudest accomplishments was serving four terms as selectwoman for the Town of Bernardston, a job she embraced and loved. Throughout her life, Ginger was an active advocate for animal welfare, donating time and money to the cause.

Ginger married her high school sweetheart, William (Bill) Budness in 1962. She lost Bill Jan. 24, 2018. They were married for 55 years and raised three children. She was a strong-willed woman who loved her family and her many friends. She loved to laugh, debate and take a risk.

Surviving Ginger are her loving daughter, Lynn Ricker (Mark) of Ocean View, her loving son, Keith (Ingrid) of Ocean View, and her loving daughter Gretchen Zichelle (John) of Sterling, Mass. She leaves six grandchildren, David Robertson (Kasandra), Ali Robertson (Eric), Savanna Zichelle (Sean), James Zichelle, Nicholas Zichelle and Ryan Dugré Ricker; and a great-granddaughter, Harper Sky. Ginger leaves behind her beloved nephews Warren Sampson, Bill Sampson, George Sampson and their families. She leaves her brother and sister-in-law Jim and Marie Budness, and her nephew Michael. Dear to her heart, Ginger leaves her two devoted cat companions, Grey and Blackie. Her parents, William and Rita, and her sister Ellen and her brother Doug predeceased her.

With much gratitude, the family wishes to thank Vitas Hospice for providing Ginger with compassion and care, and making her last days peaceful.

A private memorial service will be held a later date.

Donations may be sent to Cats Around Town, P.O. Box 570, Ocean View, DE 19970.