Virginia Ann Putnam

WELLS – After 97 years of spirited living, Virginia Ann Putnam died peacefully on March 6, 2025, surrounded by her loving family.

Ginny was born in West Hartford, Conn., on Aug. 26, 1927, to Frank and Anna Burrows. Though her family moved frequently during her childhood, they eventually settled in Norwood, Mass., where she made many lifelong friends.

Ambitious and independent, as a young woman she performed as a synchronized swimmer one summer in Atlantic City, N.J., and later attended Boston University during WWII, where she served as a student leader in the School of Professional Arts and Letters, whose alumni efforts she would organize for many years.

In 1947, her life was forever changed when she met John Putnam, a dashing and fun-loving former G.I., on a summer’s day on Hampton Beach.

While John completed his studies at Boston University, Ginny proudly worked as an executive assistant to the editor of the Boston Herald Traveler newspaper.

Married on Sept. 1, 1951, they settled first in Saxonville and eventually Shrewsbury Mass. where they raised their four children. During these early years, the family also rented a cottage each summer at Maushop Village on Popponesset Beach in Cape Cod.

As her kids grew older, she taught shorthand and typing at Quinsigamind Community College. While fond of teaching, she discovered she also enjoyed advising students and enrolled at Worcester State College to earn a master’s in counseling.

In 1972, the family moved to Kennebunk just as she was finishing her degree. She worked first as a guidance counselor at Bonney Eagle High School and then, beginning in 1975, at Kennebunk High School where she offered empathy and encouragement to countless students, parents, and colleagues.

After retiring, she and John lived in Moody Beach and Englewood, Fla. where they enjoyed life’s bounties and volunteered for a variety of organizations promoting social justice. Well into her 80s, she could still be seen riding the waves on her boogie board and in the bargain aisles of her favorite clothing stores.

After the loss of her beloved “Put” in 2011, she lived independently for as long as possible. During her final years, she faced and overcame physical setbacks proving often (and in her words) that she was “a tough old broad.”

Survivors include her children, Eileen Worthley (husband Robert, their children Eben, Jim and Kit); David Putnam (wife Patricia, their sons Dylan and Christian); Nancy Wall (husband David, their children Michael and Emily); and Tom Putnam (wife Phyllis, and their children Gabe and Kiki); as well as three great-grandchildren Charlotte, Emma, and Tommy Marcoccio (parents Kit and Nick). She is also survived by her nephew and niece, Don and Carol Putnam, and their families.

In addition to her parents and husband, she was predeceased by her sister, Mary Jane; in-laws Dick and Betty Putnam; and their son, Jack.

Visiting hours will be from 4 to 7 p.m. on Wednesday, March 12, at Bibber Memorial Chapel, 111 Chapel Rd., Wells. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11:30 a.m. on Thursday, March 13, at St. Mary’s Church, 236 Eldridge Rd., in Wells. Spring burial will be in Ocean View Cemetery, Wells.

In the spirit in which she warmly counseled students, perhaps the best way to honor Ginny’s memory is to show kindness to others and to support those making their way through life’s challenges.

To share a memory or leave a message of condolence please visit Ginny’s Book of Memories Page at http://www.bibberfuneral.com.

Arrangements are in the care of Bibber Memorial Chapel, 111 Chapel Rd., Wells, ME 04090.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to:

St. Mary’s Food Pantry

236 Eldridge Rd.

Wells, ME 04090