Virginia Katherine Cameron

Virginia Katherine Cameron

 Virginia Katherine Cameron, or “Ginny,” as she preferred, was born on November 16, 1937, in Buffalo, New York, to Charles Spann and Hazel M. Hinchy, both of German immigrant families. She was one of five children, one of whom, Robert C. Spann, served as a U.S. Marine Corps flight navigator on a trans-Antarctic flight in 1956. Mount Spann in Antarctica is named for him. 

 As a child Ginny grew up surrounded by siblings and cousins with whom she spent much of her time. She manifested at an early age those qualities that would define her as an adult: self-sufficiency, organizational ability, hardworking, creative, and possessed of strong moral fiber derived from her faith in God. She possessed a strong sense of humor, and demonstrated the German love of travel, or wanderlust. 

 Ginny graduated from Amherst Central High School in June 1955. Within a month, she had boarded an aircraft, flown to California, and started work as a civil service clerk on Edwards Air Force Base, California. Three years later, she had increased her salary and responsibilities, and had the opportunity to pursue a civil service career. Instead, she opted for a different path. On 22 August 1958 she resigned her position, and married James M. Cameron two days later. The bond symbolized by this marriage only grew stronger over the next 63 years. 

 After living for several years in California, Ginny moved back to New York state, where she and Jim remained until 1996. She bore three children and devoted herself to the family. The qualities noticeable in her youth ensured effective household management—despite the best efforts of three kids. She and Jim still found time to travel with the entire family, sharing a love of nature’s beauty and capturing it via photography, a hobby she acquired from Jim. She also cultivated talents for gardening, interior decorating, and music—the last evidenced by her organ playing. She shared with Jim a love of dogs, and wherever they lived, a Shelty was always in residence. 

 She and Jim believed strongly in the value of a good education, ensuring that her children strove to do well in school and attend college. Indeed, she ultimately embarked upon a new challenge for herself by going back to school full time, earning her baccalaureate and graduating with honors in 1988 at age 50. With computers starting to become commonplace, she also attended further classes to master word processing. 

 During this time, she also helped to support and take care of her mother-in-law, Mary Cameron. Even after all three children left the house to pursue their own careers, she and Jim remained until after she passed in 1995. Ginny and Jim then began to travel and found their retirement home in Roswell, New Mexico. Having first met in the Southwest, they did indeed find the state “enchanting.” It reflected their love of nature, serenity, and an opportunity to pursue personal interests. The community of Roswell also provided a supportive outlet for their strong faith in God, and in their later years they were members of Berrendo Baptist Church. 

 On August 30, 2024, Ginny Cameron passed away at the age of 86. She is survived by her daughter Leslie, her sons Stewart and Robert, and four grandchildren, Amanda, Sean, Marlena, and Mary. Ginny’s funeral will be held at one o’clock on Friday, September 6, at the LaGrone Funeral Chapel. Ginny will be buried alongside her lifelong love, James Cameron, who passed away in 2022.

 Arrangements are under the personal care of LaGrone Funeral Chapel. Online condolences may be made at www.lagronefuneralchapels.com.