- State: New Mexico
Virginia (Ginny) McElyea (nee Ficek), of Albuquerque passed away Monday, September 5, 2022. Devoted and loving mother of Susan (Paul) Kerstan and Nancy (Derek) Kerr of Albuquerque. Proud grandmother of Lacie Kerstan and great-grandmother of Violet Grace both of Albuquerque.
Preceded in death by Billy Joe McElyea; parents, Frank and Theresa (nee Kolter) Ficek; siblings, Evelyn Barco, Walter Marshall, Dorothy Vencelov, Raymond Ficek, Sylvia Usher Sabin, and Patricia Cameron Wilson.
Ginny is also survived by several beloved nieces and nephews from the McElyea, Bilbrey, Usher, and Ficek sides of the family.
A proud 1940 graduate of Hamtramck High in Hamtramck, Michigan, Ginny had been a world traveler, but always called New Mexico home. She first came to Albuquerque in 1949, where she met her husband at KAFB, while working at Sandia Labs. She worked most of her life as a bookkeeper and volunteered for several organizations well into her 90’s.
She loved her extended family and friends, was an excellent card player, loved penny slots and could tell a good story (who could forget her rendition of “Archibald . . . .”)
The family is grateful for the care she received from the staff of Hannett House and Roadrunner Hospice who cared for her in her last days.
The family will honor her on Saturday September 17, 2022. Celebration of her life will start at 3:00 p.m. with an at home service to follow at 4:00 p.m.
