Obituary of Virginia Zorich

Virginia "Ginny" M. (nee Harrell) Zorich, 89, of State College (formerly of San Diego and Las Vegas) on January 10, 2011 from complications associated with Alzheimer's disease. Ginny was born in St. Cloud Minnesota, a child of the Great Depression. In the early '40s, she met and married a gentleman from Wisconsin and moved there briefly. Tragically, he was consumed in a house fire after saving Ginny and his family. A widow at 22, she moved back to Minnesota to work and care for a baby nephew. During the war years, Ginny served her country as part of the Red Cross in the Pacific Theater. While stationed in the Philippines she met and married a Marine who was tragically killed in action shortly after they wed. At the conclusion of the war, she returned to the States, a young widow for the second time. In the late '40's, Ginny attended Indiana University where she earned her degree in Business Administration. While attending IU, she met Steve Zorich, a decorated war veteran attending college on the GI Bill. Steve and Ginny married in Hollywood, California in 1950 on the nationally syndicated radio program "Here Come's the Bride". In 1952 the couple moved to California where Ginny earned a Master's Degree in Education from Long Beach State University. Ginny enjoyed a long career as a decorated school teacher, a living example of love, patience and positive attitude, attributes she maintained throughout her life. Ginny and Steve retired in 1986 and enjoyed many great and adventurous years together that included cruises, travel abroad and pursuing their passion for the ponies at the Del Mar Race Track where Ginny could be seen wearing bold hats and enjoying martinis where the "turf meets the surf". Ginny became a widow for the third time in 2007 when her beloved husband Steve passed away. Ginny is survived by her son Steven, daughter-in-law Jeanette and grandson Steven of Boise Idaho, her son Thomas and his life partner Janine Fraser of Ramsey, N.J. and many nieces and nephews. Funeral arrangements are private at the request of the family.