Virginia Isabelle Hinman

Virginia Isabelle Hinman, age 100, of Palm Beach Gardens, passed away peacefully at Trustbridge Hospice at Palm Beach Gardens Medical Center on Wednesday January 14. Virginia graduated from the University of Connecticut in 1946 where she was an enthusiastic member of Delta Zeta Sorority. She shared that she “chose this sorority because they had a grand piano in their living room on which student musicians performed each evening.” Her maternal grandmother had attended the Vienna Conservatory and instilled a genuine lifelong love of music in her family.

After college Virginia was hired by Canton High School where she was very proud to be the first woman to teach girls physical education. She met her husband Earl at the 1^st school dance of the year held to welcome new teachers. She said, “all her student cheerleaders had been giving attention to a handsome guy who rode a shiny new Indian motorcycle to work at Hinman’s Greenhouses and Flower shop next door.” Earl had recently returned from his WWII service on the Navy Submarine USS Cusk. He related, “he only had eyes for the lovely new teacher.” That first dance led to a 60 plus year marriage. The happy couple went snow skiing on their honeymoon and enjoyed a lifetime of family and sports together.

After the birth of her 4^th child, Virginia resumed her career teaching physical education at a number of schools, later retiring from the Palm Beach County School system.

Virginia and Earl were active in their golden years walking laps in the Palm Beach Gardens Mall, attending meetings with the UTC retirees club and bowling league. They belonged to Moose Lodge 2010 in PBG and enjoyed swimming with their grandchildren in their pool.

She was very proud of her membership in Panhellenic Alumnae of Palm Beach County and the lasting friendships formed with members and supporters. She was a former president and volunteered for numerous committee assignments during many years of active membership. She was an avid supporter of their college scholarship luncheon and purchased tickets for many of her friends to support this event. She especially enjoyed the scholarship recipients describing how Panhellenic generosity made a difference in their lives. She related to friends she was “blessed that her parents could fund her own university education and wanted to give less fortunate young women a similar experience for a better future”.

Virginia was awarded a membership in the “American Rosie the Riveter Association” for supporting WWII efforts by delivering Western Union Telegrams while still in high school and working in a ball bearing factory during college.

She was predeceased by husband Earl and son Jeffrey Martin Hinman and survived by 3 children, Wendy, Dayle and Eric. 5 grandchildren and 6 great grandchildren.

Memorial donations can be made in Virginia’s name to Panhellenic Alumnae of PBC Scholarship Fund, 19778 Loxahatchee Pointe Dr. Jupiter, FL 33458-1813

It was Earl and Virginia’s desire to be cremated and have their ashes interred together in the sea in a private family ceremony. Arrangements are being handled by Edgley Cremation Services.