Virginia T. Spinney-McKenna Obituary - Visitation & Funeral Information

Seabrook Beach, NH – On July 9, 2019, Virginia T. Spinney-McKenna, of Seabrook Beach, after a lengthy battle with cancer, went to heaven. With her at the time was her loving husband and their loving daughter. Ginny was born August 27, 1934, in Methuen, MA, the daughter of the late Raymond and Elsie (Blackburn) Spinney. She was educated in the Methuen Public School System and graduated from Searles High School in 1952. She was a cheerleader, wrote for the Blue and White school paper, served on the Ring, Pin and Yearbook and several other committees. Ginny completed four years at Merrimack College, graduated in 1964, with a Bachelor of Science in Education. Ginny served on the Merrimack Yearbook Committee and was selected as the Career Day Speaker for the graduating class of 1964. She taught English for one year at Andover Institute of Business, then fourth grade for seven years at the Pollard School, Plaistow. Ginny was elected to represent her school district for the Teachers’ Association of NH. Ginny continued her education at Salem State College, Tufts University, UNH, and University of Lowell, and was certified in teaching and testing special-needs and learning-disabled students. In 1972 Mrs. McKenna transferred to the Andover, Massachusetts, school system as a fourth-grade special-needs teacher. In 1974 she founded Veritas, The Learning Center for Children, Inc., for students with learning disabilities, certified by the Massachusetts Department of Education and located on the former campus of Abbott Academy, Andover, Massachusetts. Because of health reasons, it was determined Ginny would have to forego opening Veritas and she retired. Eight years later, 1984, Ginny returned to teaching on a part-time basis. In 1985 she accepted an assignment in Kingston, testing Kindergarten through fifth grade students. In 1986 she accepted a position in the Special Needs Department at Haverhill High School. Ginny’s love for teaching third and fourth-grade students prompted her to transfer to St. James School, fourth-grade, the following year. Six years later, 1993, when Silver Hill School was opened, she was selected to transfer and teach fourth-grade students, with the additional duties of testing and was co-chair of the committee to recommend appropriate educational programs for students. Mrs. McKenna retired in 1999. Ginny loved to dance, read, and be with her family, especially having the grandchildren visit at Seabrook Beach and planning to take them to Disney World, Amish Country, Hershey Park, New York City, and numerous other visiting and vacation time with them. Ginny is survived by her husband of 45 years and best friend for 60 years; their daughter Erin L. McKenna-Stroup of Seabrook, four step-sons, Harry J. McKenna, III, his wife Diane of Haverhill, MA; Richard D. McKenna of Waterbury, CT; Daniel J. McKenna of Port St. Lucie, FL; Timothy S. McKenna of Salem, NH; four granddaughters; three grandsons, a great-grandson and great-granddaughter, and her sister-in-law and lifelong friend Grace (McKenna) Bechard. She was predeceased by her father Raymond Spinney, her mother Elsie Spinney-Donnelly, her step father Edward Donnelly and her step-son Wayne McKenna. Visiting hours will be held from 5-7 P.M., Tuesday, July 16, 2019 at the Remick & Gendron Funeral Home-Crematory, 811 Lafayette Road, Hampton. A mass of Christian burial will be celebrated at 11A.M. Wednesday July 17, 2019 at Our Lady of the Miraculous Medal Church, 289 Lafayette Road, Hampton. Burial will be in the West Parish Cemetery, Andover, MA at a later date. In lieu of traditional remembrances, donations may be made to Constellation Hospice, 180 Low Street, Newburyport, MA 01950 as they provided Ginny with exceptional care and sincere concern not only for her welfare but her family as well.

Virginia T. Spinney-McKenna

August 27, 1934 - July 9, 2019