Ginnie Moran

Virginia Bransford Baylies “Ginnie” Moran of Bridgton, formerly of Marco Island, Fla., passed into God’s hands on Tuesday, July 7, 2015, just short of her 94th birthday.

She was the wife of Richard C. Moran, Col., U.S. Army (Ret.), for 55 years until his death on Nov. 5, 2000. She was born the middle daughter of U.S. Army Capt. Alfred L. and Mrs. Marie (Hunt) Baylies at Ft. Ethan Allen, Vt., on July 26, 1921.

Ginnie always greeted people with “I’m an Army brat, an Army wife and an Army widow.” She was very proud of her military heritage, and liked to tell people she had moved 43 times in her lifetime (16 states — living in five states more than once) and three foreign countries (the Netherlands, Japan and Korea).

Leadership was a big part of Ginnie’s life. She was President of the Officers' Wives Club in Tokyo, Japan, Ft. Polk, Louisiana, and Ft. Leavenworth, Kansas, as well as President of the Daughters of the U.S. Army, President of Ikebana International (Japanese flower arranging), and Regent of the Molly Ockett Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution (currently Chaplain).

Community service was also important to Ginnie. She was the “professional” volunteer. She was a member of the Bridgton Hospital Auxiliary (30 years), Bridgton Chamber of Commerce (32 years), and St. Peter’s Episcopal Church, where she was an active participant in the choir and the “We Care” Committee. She also gave a patients’ waiting room and flag pole outside Bridgton Hospital in her husband’s name.

Ginnie supported many causes and organizations, including the First Armored Division Association, the U.S. Army Museum, the U.S. W.W.II Memorial, Norwich University and numerous animal rescue leagues. She also taught English to Japanese students in Tokyo and protocol to Korean officers’ wives.

She was well-known for her love of hats, most particularly the beret. She would color-coordinate a beret with every outfit.

Ginnie is survived by her son Thomas; daughter Susan Drake and her husband John; grandsons Richard Rubini, and Nicholas Rubini and his wife Jennifer; and her beloved great-granddaughters, Mackenzie Lynch and Mila Rubini. She is also survived by her sister, Barbara Jessup; and six nieces and one nephew. She was predeceased by her sister Marie Calnan.

A memorial service will be held 11 a.m., on Saturday, Sept. 19, 2015, at St. Peter’s Episcopal Church, 42 Sweden Rd., Bridgton. Interment will be at Arlington National Cemetery in Washington, D.C. Gifts may be made in Ginnie’s memory to the Harvest Hills Animal Shelter, 1389 Bridgton Rd., Fryeburg, ME 04037; Friends of the Kreitzberg Library, Norwich University, 158 Harmon Dr., Northfield, VT 05663; or to the charity of one’s choice.

Arrangements are in the care of the Chandler Funeral Home & Cremation Service, 8 Elm St., Bridgton. Words of condolence and tribute may be shared at www.chandlerfunerals.com