Virginia Fortier ... retired from General Electric; at 86

ROCHESTER - Virginia "Ginny" J. Fortier, 86, of Rochester, NH, passed away peacefully on April 26, 2025, at her daughter's home, surrounded by her loved ones. She was born on May 10, 1938, in Woodstock, New Brunswick, Canada, and grew up in Houlton, Maine, before spending most of her life in Somersworth, NH, where she raised her family. She was a tribal elder of the Houlton Band of Maliseet Indians. Ginny was predeceased by her husband, Wilfred (Whitey) Fortier, in 1979; her youngest son, Dave, in 2022; and her sister, Shirley Levasseur in 1999.

Ginny is survived by her loving daughter, Eileen Fortier of Rochester, NH; her number one sons, Wilfred Fortier of Somersworth, NH, Jeff Francis of Milton, NH, and Robert Francis of Houlton, ME, and her grandchildren, Will Fortier, Jordan Fortier, Melissa (Fortier) Zabkar, Zachary Fortier Wentworth, Adam Fortier, and Aaron Fortier. She is also survived by her great-grandchildren, Bentley Fortier, Blake Fortier, Jameson Fortier, and Zoey Zabkar. Ginny was deeply loved by her devoted caretaker and bonus daughter, Robin Bruedle, who was by her side each day for the past ten years. Robin made her meals, gave her the medications she needed and spent lots of hours just cherishing the time with her.

Ginny was known for her vibrant sense of humor and her natural ability to care for everyone in her family. She took great pride in nurturing those around her and was always ready to lend a hand or offer a warm word of encouragement. She enjoyed volunteering her time as a librarian for Holy Trinity School, when her children were young (and she worked alongside Sister Mary Judith).

She worked in shoe shops for most of her life, providing for her family, and retired from General Electric in Somersworth, NH. Ginny cherished spending time with her family, especially during the holidays and at special gatherings. She loved nothing more than sharing meals at family barbecues, playing card games, building puzzles, enjoying a good time with loved ones, and watching fireworks light up the night sky. She also looked forward to gathering around bonfires, where stories were told, and laughter filled the air. Shine bright like a diamond Mama!

Ginny had a special place in her heart for her beloved golden retriever, Deeks, with whom she loved spending time cuddling and playing. A lover of music, Ginny could sing along to every song and always knew the words to her favorite tunes. She also took great pride in tending to her beautiful flower gardens, where she found peace and joy. Her warmth, laughter, and giving nature will be deeply missed by all who knew her. Ginny also enjoyed her regular FaceTime calls with Karen Kennepohl. Mother loved the beautiful homemade quilt that was a labor of love from Karen.