VIRGINIA GINGERICK BERRY

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VIRGINIA GINGERICK BERRY Virginia Gingerick Berry, MA, PhD, D.Litt., CM died in Victoria, BC on Saturday, March 22, 2003. Born in 1915 in North Manchester, IN to Fred and Julia Gingerick, Virginia did her BA at Mount Holyoke College, Massachusetts, and took her MA (1938) and PhD (1941) in Medieval Studies at the University of Chicago. After teaching at Stephens College, Columbia, MO, Virginia moved to Winnipeg in 1943 on her marriage to Edmund Berry of the Classics Department of the University of Manitoba. She taught at St. Johns College (1943 to 44), from which she received an Honorary Fellowship in 1986. While raising her two daughters, Virginia began a lifelong involvement in the Winnipeg Art Gallery. She was an early member and later President of the Womens Committee, a member of the Building Committee for the new Gallery, and a Board member for many years, including a term as Vice-President. In 1986 she was made a Member of the Order of Canada for her work in the arts community. She was awarded an honorary Doctor of Letters from the University of Winnipeg in 1987. As Guest Curator at the Winnipeg Art Gallery she wrote two book-length exhibition catalogues, A Boundless Horizon and Vistas of Promise, on the history of Manitoba art. This year she completed a manuscript on the role of women in Manitoba art, 1880 to 1920. In the 50s, Virginia sat on the Boards of Balmoral Hall School and the Middlechurch Home. She was a member of the Altar Guild of All Saints Anglican Church for more than 50 years. Virginia loved historical research, antiques, art and travel. She and Edmund travelled often to England, spent part of each winter with friends in Spain, and more recently wintered in Victoria. She was slow to criticize and quick to encourage. Her quiet strength and warm support endeared her to many. She will be remembered for her grace and dignity, and her kindness. She is survived by her husband of 59 years, Edmund, daughters Julia Melnyk (George) of Calgary, Margaret Lin (Philip) of Victoria, and grandsons Adam Melnyk and Brian and Michael Lin. A memorial service at All Saints Church in Winnipeg is planned for 4:00 p.m. April 26, 2003. Donations in Virginias memory may be made to the Winnipeg Art Gallery, 300 Memorial Blvd., Winnipeg, MB R3C 1W2 or All Saints Church, 175 Colony St., Winnipeg, MB R3C 1W2.

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Mar 29, 2003