Virginia "Ginny" Anne Carlson

It is with a heavy and sad heart that we announce the passing of Virginia “Ginny” Anne Jeanes Carlson. On December 2, 2023, she joined the Lord and her daughter in heaven. She is no longer in pain or suffering from all her disabling illnesses.

Born on June 18, 1947, to Paul and Grace Jeanes in south suburban Chicago. She lived there until she was 14, before moving to Rockford.

During her life she loved to travel. Having visited all 50 states, 6 Canadian provinces, Ireland (with her disabled sister), Scotland, London, France, Italy, Spain, Costa Rica, Peru (Machu Pichu), Equador (Galapagos), and China. She liked to go to Cub games. Seeing them in Chicago, Milwaukee, St. Louis, Kansas City, San Francisco, Mesa, New York, Philadelphia, Pittsburgh, Detroit, Dallas, Boston, Cincinnati, and Cleveland. Most of these were with our best friends, Jim, Georgia, Jeff and Julie. She also enjoyed visiting zoos and aquariums. Her favorites being Brookfield Zoo, Columbus Zoo, The Wilds and the Atlanta Aquarium. She was a kind and caring person. She was caregiver to Page Reese for over 20 years during his battle with MS. She volunteered at the Mercy Hospital gift shop for over 13 years. She also was moderator of the Women's Auxiliary at 3rd Presbyterian Church for 8 years. She was a master gardener and worked hard to keep the house on Buckhorn looking good and in bloom.

After Grace was born, she enjoyed going to pick her up in Freeport and taking her to the Discovery Center, a park or swimming. As Grace would say, "I don't know where we're going, but we're going". And that was Ginny's true spirit, always on the go.

She is survived by her husband of 47 years Wesley, son Joseph (Eileen), of Rockford, and granddaughter Grace, of Chicago. She also leaves behind a son she gave up for adoption, whom she was just starting to reconnect with, Jim Ronk and his family, Angela (Cy) Gill, Junelle Ronk and Ellen Ronk. Sisters, Pat (Paul) Tinsley, Glenview and Cathy (Don) Fech, Hobart, In.

She was predeceased by her daughter, Jacqueline; father, Paul; mother, Grace Van Epps; sister, Janet Van Epps and her beloved niece, Rebekah Klein.

The family would like to thank all the wonderful staff at Rockford Vascular Surgery, especially Kathy Williams, and everyone at Northern Illinois Hospice, especially Shannon and Katie. Their care and compassion were truly exemplary. She will be missed by all who knew her.

A Funeral Service will be on Monday, December 11, 2023, at 11:30 a.m. at Third Presbyterian Church, 1221 Custer Avenue, Rockford, IL 61103. A visitation will be prior to the service starting at 10:00 a.m. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Third Presbyterian Church, Amputee Resource Network, Noah's Ark or charity of your choice.