Virginia M. "Ginny" McGoldrick

Virginia “Ginny” Marie McGoldrick (née Kessler), 90, of West Chester, Pennsylvania, passed away peacefully in her home on October 5, 2026.

Born in Brooklyn, New York, to Veronica and Phillip Kessler. Ginny graduated high school before becoming a Licensed Practical Nurse, spending the next 35 years in practice. Though a New Yorker by birth, Ginny called West Chester, Pa home for the past 60 years, building a life rich with family, friendship and fun.

Ginny was the loving mother of Joyce (David) Herkins, Kevin (Betsy) McDonald, Sean (Laura) McDonald, Anne (Joseph) Sheridan and Maryann (John) Fanelli; cherished grandmother of 18 grandchildren; and great-grandmother of 22 great-grandchildren. She is reunited in peace with many whom she loved and missed dearly, especially her late husband, John P. McGoldrick, and her grandson, Maxwell Bitsko McDonald.

Ginny loved animals, antiques, plants and, perhaps most of all, people. Endlessly curious, she had a special way of opening people up— asking questions, remembering the answers and taking a genuine interest in their lives. She was a fun-loving mother, grandmother, and great grandmother who was always ready to listen, and that same curiosity and care extended through every generation of her family.

Her garden was her sanctuary, lovingly tended over countless days and evenings, and a place of peace and gathering for her family and friends, who shared many bites and cocktails surrounded by its beauty. A lifelong animal lover, Ginny was known to also open her home to many dogs and cats that she rescued over the years.

Ginny found joy browsing antique stores and collecting treasures with someone she loved. In many ways, she was a collector by nature—not only of beautiful things, but of experiences, stories and people.

She also had unmistakable style. Classy, fashion-forward and effortlessly put together, Ginny was often dressed to the nines and finished her look with a piece of thrifted costume jewelry. She never looked overdone; she simply had a way of making things beautiful.

Ginny shared a wonderful life with her beloved late husband, John. The two gave each other a new lease on life when they met, beautifully blending their lives and creating new adventures, spending winters in Florida and summers in West Chester. The two had a unique way of making even the simplest moments feel cherished.

Strong, thoughtful and fun-loving, Ginny remained deeply interested in the world around her and blessed with a wonderful sense of humor through her final days. She will be greatly missed by her family and friends.

Relatives and friends are invited to her Visitation 10:00-11:00 AM Tuesday, November 3, 2026 at SS Peter & Paul Church, 1325 Boot Road, West Chester, PA 19380, followed by her Funeral Mass at 11:00 AM. Interment private.

In lieu of flowers, Ginny’s family invites those wishing to honor her memory to make a donation to the Max McDonald Foundation at maxmcdonaldfoundation.com.