Virginia Bigelow

OXFORD – Virginia A. (Smith) Bigelow, 94, died peacefully on Sunday, December 2, 2018, at Overlook Masonic Health Center in Charlton, with family members by her side. She was predeceased by her husband of 47 years, Merrick H. Bigelow who died in 1997; and a brother, Earle H. Smith who died in 1992. She is survived by her brother, Robert M. Smith and his wife Janice of Shrewsbury; her sister-in-law, Primrose M. Smith of Norfolk; and many Smith, Hunter, McCann, Bigelow, and Olney nieces, nephews, and cousins, including her goddaughter Judith McCann Yarossi. She was born in Worcester, daughter of the late Earl D. and Agnes (Hunter) Smith, was raised in Worcester and North Grafton, and lived most of her life in Oxford. She graduated from Grafton High School in 1942.

Virginia, or “Ginny” as she was known, served 45 years supporting the Executive Office at State Mutual in Worcester, retiring as the office manager in 1987. She was a consummate professional, an expert in her role, respected for her skill, and beloved by those whom she served and worked with. She was a long-standing member of the First Congregational Church in Oxford.

Virginia married Merrick, her devoted husband in 1950. Throughout their marriage, Merrick a decorated WW II combat veteran severely wounded during the Italian campaign and Virginia lived in the home that Merrick and his father built on Walcott Street in Oxford. Virginia maintained fabulous flower gardens. They enjoyed traveling the world together ranging from annual visits to Cape Cod, to the national parks out west, Scotland, England and trips throughout Europe. Each adventure was always carefully documented and shared with the family in memorable slide shows upon their return.

Most of all, Virginia’s life revolved around her family and close circle of friends. She counted herself blessed delighted in being with family. Throughout the years she enjoyed nothing more than gathering with them at the homestead on East Street in North Grafton, Thanksgiving at Uncle Tommy’s and for decades hosting the family Christmas celebrations in their home. The latter was always an opportunity for showcasing multiple generations of family recipes, still enjoyed to this day and an excuse to spoil all the nieces, nephews and cousins with a bonanza of gifts. Later in life, she would enjoy Easter, Mother’s Day and Thanksgiving holidays with family in Grafton, Shrewsbury and accompanied the family on expeditions to Florida, New Hampshire and Southport, Maine.

A greeting from Virginia was always accompanied by her winning smile. To her family and all who were blessed to know her, she will forever be remembered for her warmth, caring nature, dignity and grace.

A funeral service will be held at 1:00 p.m. on Monday, December 10, 2018, at the First Congregational Church, 355 Main St., Oxford. Burial will follow at North Cemetery in Oxford. Calling hours are Monday from 11 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. at Paradis-Givner Funeral Home, 357 Main St., Oxford. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the First Congregational Church, P.O. Box 585, Oxford, MA 01540, or to Tower Hill Botanic Gardens, P.O. Box 598, Boylston, MA 01505-0598.