Virginia Mary (Besso) Hersey, 64, passed away unexpectedly early Saturday morning, April 3, 2021.
The sixth of seven children, Virginia was born in Haverhill on February 24, 1957, to parents Joseph and Katherine (Bolandis) Besso. She was youngest sister to Joseph Besso Jr. (Nancy), Kathy Wolownik (Richard), Bruce Besso (Marcia), Sue Bradley (Brian), and Margaret Besso-Zitzer (Jeff). As well as the proudest older sister to Andrew Besso.
Virginia’s childhood was spent calling 10 Bryon Street her home as the small town of Bradford lended itself to a lifetime of family and friendships. Her summers were spent swimming at the Bradford Swim Club, playing ball and catching bugs. The New England winters brought a change of scenery to one of her favorite places, the Sugar Bowl. As the water froze behind her Aunt (Mary) Rita’s house on Middlesex Street, ice skating with her cousins quickly became one of her most memorable pastimes. Forever a Hilly, she graduated from Haverhill High School, Class of 1976.
1982, Gould Shawmut Electronics and fate provided the perfect time and place for forever love. It was there that Ginny, working as a machine operator in the fuse division met Phil, who at the time was working as a machine set-up technician. She conveniently found herself in frequent “need” of Phil’s mechanical expertise, and as part of her well laid plan, their love story began. The two wed in 1984, inevitably spending the best thirty-six years of their lives together laughing, loving, and making memories as a family of five. Together they raised their three beautiful daughters Rachel, Ashley and Chelsea and honored the life of their late son, Jared.
Ginny was a firm believer that saltwater could cure any ailment, and her love of the ocean ran deep in her veins. The sand and sunshine fed her soul as most summer days you could find her parked, literally and figuratively, at Beach Access 14. There were no bad days spent at the “line”, especially those that ended with Dairy Queen or Tripoli’s Pizza.
She made her life work out of being of service to others and was happiest making her friends and family feel special and loved. A self-proclaimed “Hostess with the Mostest”, Ginny opened her heart and her home to all who stepped through the door at 19 Russell Terrace. Some of her greatest joys in life were found in the moments of controlled chaos and laughter she shared with her grandsons David, Joseph, and Luke. Ginny was a loving wife, Mother, and Grandmother, whose unforgettable personality will forever be cherished in the memory of all whom loved her.
A private funeral mass will be held at the Immaculate Conception Church on Green Street in Newburyport. Please email rmhersey@gmail.com if you would like to honor Virginia’s life and attend. The Twomey, LeBlanc, & Conte Funeral Home 193 High St. Newburyport, MA 01950 is assisting Mrs. Hersey’s family with her arrangements. A celebration of life will be held immediately following services at the Elks Lodge on Low Street in Newburyport.
In lieu of flowers, donations in her memory may be made to the American Autoimmune Related Diseases Association, Inc. 19176 Hall Road Suite 130, Clinton Township, Michigan 48038.
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