1930 – 2016

CANTON — Virginia E. “Ginny” McPherson, 85, had a golden heart which stopped beating on Saturday, Jan. 16, at the Victorian Villa Nursing Home in Canton.

She was born in Sheffield, Vt., on June 4, 1930, a daughter of Roy and Lottie (Masure) Lyons. One of eight children, she was brought up in a small two-room home until the age of 12, at which time, the family moved to the Rumford area for work opportunities.

She received her education in local schools and graduated from Mexico High School with the Class of 1949, where she served as class secretary and always enjoyed seeing all of her classmates. She made many lifelong friends, notably Louise and Marion, whom she remained close to for the last 67 years.

Ginny met the love of her life, Gerald “Jerry” R. McPherson, while waitressing, and they married on April 1, 1950. Her life revolved around her handsome husband and their five children, as she was happy being the consummate homemaker.

She was a fantastic cook and loved to feed family, friends and neighbors, along with anyone who walked through the door. She and her longtime neighbor and best friend, Margie, were dedicated members of the Mexico Junior Mothercraft Club.

At 40 years of age, Ginny got her drivers license and certified nursing assistant training, then went to work at Rumford Hospital for 15 years. She took her work of helping others very seriously, and her co-workers looked forward to her doughnuts and cinnamon rolls.

In 1986, she and Jerry retired to the mountain in Lyndonville, Vt. — aka “Hillbilly Heaven.” They had 19 happy years together there, and enjoyed going to dances, as well as taking trips to Maine, New Hampshire and Nova Scotia. Following her husband’s death on Jan. 18, 2005, she returned to Maine.

Ginny adored her grandchildren and loved seeing all the babies, especially the great-grandchildren. In 2009, she chose to go live at the Victorian Villa due to her declining health. She was very active there, making many new friends. She was president of the Resident Council so that she could “speak for those who couldn’t.”

Ginny was never one to mince words when she had something to say, and was always quick to smile and share a joke. She connected with many of the staff and residents, and enjoyed the many activites, such as music, daytrips, family picnics, and bingo. She even took computer classes. Mandy, Pam, Mitzi S.,Tamara, Rob, and Mitzi T. She loved you all dearly.

She is survived by her daughters, Bonnie Labelle and her husband, Joe, and Tina McPherson, all of Sabattus; sons, Wayne McPherson and his wife, Mary, and Michael McPherson, all of Rumford, and Joseph McPherson and his wife, Paula, of Farmington; seven grandchildren, Eric, Adam, Nikki (Joe), Melissa (Jeremy), Karri (Lenny), Matthew, Sabrina (Josh); great-grandchildren, Daisy, Gabriel, Greyson, Katerina, and “Baby-on-the-Way;” two sisters, Blanche Miller of Kittery, and Shirley Turner of Peru; two brothers, Calvin Lyons of Mexico, and Robert Lyons of Rumford; and a large number of nieces, nephews and cousins.

She was predeceased by her husband, Jerry; parents, Roy and Lottie; sister, Florence; brothers, Donald and Carl; and several aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews and cousins.

The family would like to thank the staff at the Villa for her wonderful care. Her husband always said that he would build her a pedestal for his “queen.” Her biggest wish over the last year was to be with her husband again.

“The Golden Pedestal has now been built.” We love you, Mum — your spirit will live on in all of us.

Condolences and tributes may be shared with her family at www.wilesrc.com.