Virginia G. Donovan

Virginia Gertsch Donovan, known as "Ginni" to her family and friends, passed away on Tuesday February 6, 2024, at St. Vincent Medical Center in Bridgeport at the age of 70 surrounded by her loved ones. She was the wife of Chad Donovan for 47 years. 

Born on March 23, 1953, in Sharon, CT, Ginni was the beloved daughter of Erich Gertsch and the late Patricia (Stapleton) Gertsch. Ginni graduated in 1975 from the University of Connecticut, where she earned a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology.

Ginni spent her entire career with the State of Connecticut, primarily as a Hearing Officer, retiring in 2009. During her professional life Ginni was very active in the National Association of Hearing Officials (NAHO), including as president.  She was appointed a Kentucky Colonel in part because of her service to the NAHO.

Ginni took great pleasure in gardening. In retirement she became a Master Gardener and a certified Flower Show Judge. She was very successful with her own entries in judged flower shows. She loved her time and special friends in the garden clubs. Ginni's love for animals, and special affinity for dogs, was evident in her 45 years of involvement in dog ownership and rescue. 

Ginni was a member of the First Congregational Church of Cheshire.

Ginni's is survived by her husband, Chad Donovan, Cheshire, CT. She will also be remembered by her father, Erich Gertsch of Newtown, CT, her siblings, Thomas Gertsch, his wife Marilyn of Newtown, their daughters Lauren and Jordann, Pat Anzellotti, her husband Rudy, Mohnton, PA, Ericia Gertsch, her husband Gert Hohenwarter, Monona, WS, her sister-in-law Claire Donovan Rusk, her husband John, their son Evan Rusk, Arlington, VA, and her brother-on-law Paul Donovan of Danforth, ME. She also leaves her cherished nephew Robert Gertsch, Newtown, CT. Ginni was blessed with many wonderful friends, who will also remember her fondly.

Family and friends may gather at the Alderson-Ford Funeral Home of Cheshire 615 South Main Street on Wednesday February 14, 2024, from 4:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. Funeral services in celebration of Ginni's life will be held on Thursday February 15, 2024, at 11:00 a.m. at the First Congregational Church of Cheshire, 111 Church Drive. Following the service her burial will be in St. Bridget Cemetery, Higgins Road in Cheshire. The family kindly requests that donations be made in Virginia's memory to Schipperke Rescue at www.schipperkerescue.net.

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