Obituary of Virginia Norton

Virginia "Ginger" Norton, 62, of Goshen passed away Thursday, April 19, 2012 at Orange Regional Medical Center, Middletown, NY. Virginia was born April 27, 1949 in Manhattan, NY, the daughter of the late John and Grace Armstrong. She began her love of teaching, starting her own education at St. Luke's in Waldwick, NJ; St. Alfonso's Junior College in Wood Cliff Lakes, NJ, and SUNY New Paltz graduating 1971. She received her Masters in Education in 1974. Ginger was a beloved mother, wife, teacher and friend to many for her entire life. She served continuously as a kindergarten teacher for 33 years at the Goshen Central Schools, sometimes 3 generations for students from the same family. She volunteered and contributed to many causes including Hospice, Inspire, Boy Scouts, and student teacher organizations. She was Kindergarten grade level chairman for Scotchtown Avenue Elementary, an avid gardener, cook, loved reading and enjoyed karaoke singing and dancing. She is survived by her husband: Charles Norton of Goshen; sons, C.J. Norton and spouse Brandon Kotaniemi and Michael Norton and spouse Kimberly Bendickson Norton; sisters-in-law, Mildred Norton Seller and husband Joe, Frances Norton Spitz and husband Dick, Mary Claire Norton Schmidt and husband Bud, Joan Peterson and husband Chuck; dearest friend, Jean Rice. She was predeceased by her parents, brother, John Armstong, and dear Aunt, Ethel Smith Bates. Visitation will be Sunday, April 22 from 1:00 to 4:00 PM at the Donovan Funeral Home, Inc, 82 South Church Street, Goshen, NY. The funeral will be held at 3:30 pm in Funeral Home. Cremation and burial will be private. Memorial donations may be made in Ginger's name to Hospice of Orange and Sullivan Counties, 800 Stony Brook Court, Newburgh, NY 12550 Arrangements under the care of the Donovan Funeral Home, Inc. To leave the family a personal condolence please visit www.donovanfunerals.com