Virginia S. Pond

We are saddened to announce the death of Virginia S. Pond, formerly of Chatham, who died peacefully at Pleasant Bay Nursing Home, Brewster, MA, on July 2, 2024 the age of 107. “Ginny” is survived by her two children, Philip R. “Randy” Pond, Jr. of East Harwich, MA and Marilyn Pond Brigham, and her husband, Paul, of Northborough, MA. She was preceded in death by her husband of over 45 years, Philip R. Pond.

Ginny was born in Grand Rapids, MI, where her family had lived for generations. After graduating from high school, she went to Miami University in Oxford, Ohio, and earned a degree in business and retailing. She returned to Grand Rapids to start her career at Herpolsheimer’s Department Store, where she worked for many years as a Buyer for home goods. Shortly after the conclusion of World War II, she met her husband, Philip R. Pond, a New Englander, who was Controller of the store. They married in 1948.

They spent much of their married life in Dayton, Ohio, and after spending many vacations on Cape Cod, they eventually bought a summer home in Chatham. In 1965, they bought the “Old Rose Cottage,” a 250-year-old sea captain’s house in North Chatham famous for its rambling, red roses, almost covering the house. They restored the home and made it their permanent residence in 1970.

Ginny had many talents and many friends. She enjoyed gardening, cooking, art needlework and home decorating; she excelled at all of them. She was ever the gracious hostess, loving spouse and devoted mother. She gave much of her time to various charities. In Chatham, she was a tireless volunteer at the Eldredge Public Library, a patient reader with the kids at the Chatham Elementary School and enjoyed working on the Committee charged with the renovation of the Chatham Town Offices on Main Street.

After the death of her husband, she lived alone for over 30 years; teaching her family and friends how to age gracefully – making new friends, taking classes and “chair yoga,” traveling, interested in politics and current affairs and keeping herself well occupied. She never complained, despite the trials and tribulations of old age. She was an inspiration to all who knew her.

Funeral services will be private. Contributions in her memory can be made to the Chatham Conservation Foundation, Inc., 540 Main Street, Chatham, MA 02633 or the Eldredge Public Library, 564 Main Street, Chatham, MA 02633 or a charity of your choice.