Virginia (Ginny) Foreman

Ginny graduated with an education degree from Rutgers University, and later moved to Marquette with her first husband in the 50’s. In the 60’s she began teaching, first in elementary school and then middle school while earning her Master’s degree in Special Education from NMU.

Ginny loved Marquette, Michigan and was involved in a number of groups and activities. She supported the NMU Art Gallery and several local artists, assisted the Michigan Nature Association in the buying of wild lands for future generations, and participated with the local Rock and Mineral Club. Earlier, she enjoyed singing in the Methodist Church choir and performing in community concert plays. Ginny loved writing and being in writing clubs, where she had articles published including one in The Mining Journal about “The Storm” of 88. Reading, writing, and sending books to her grandchildren and great-grandchildren will be cherished by them for many years.

Ginny was known as the monarch lady of Marquette. The first monarch caterpillar was found with her youngest daughter at the Tourist Park around 1967 and they continued to raise them inside for their safety. In her retirement, she promoted their protection and tagged Monarchs for research, taught about them in local schools and the Moosewood Nature Center.

Ginny purchased a camp for her family in the 60’s, and when she was shown a photo of Lake Superior taken from that camp at sunset a week before she passed, her passionate response was, “You just showed me a little piece of Heaven”.

Ginny married the love of her life, Charles “Chuck” Foreman, a decorated WWII Veteran in 1972. They shared their love of nature, traveling, historical and wildlife research, camp, visiting and helping their children and families. Chuck and Ginny were an integral part of the founding of the Maritime Museum.

Ginny was proceeded in death by her loving husband; Chuck, four siblings and is survived by one brother; George Hurst and her five children; Kay Vossen of CA, Debbie and Gordon Garrett of NC, Bonnie and Barton Jeffries of MI, Bruce and Margie Galbraith of CA, Sarah and Craig Kramer of CO, 9 grandchildren and 10 great-grandchildren.

Sincere appreciation goes out to all her friends and family for their support, visits, rides, discussions, and love. Thank you so much, Jon, Becky, Linda, Sue, Mary Lou and Miriam.

Per her wishes, there will be a small celebration of life this summer for her family at their camp.

If you would like to honor her memory, please consider a donation to the Maritime Museum, The Moosewood Nature Center, Peter White Library, or the Michigan Nature Association. To view a full obituary, add remembrances, comments or photos, please go to AllVeterans.com to her online obituary.