Virginia 'Ginger' Bennetts

BESSEMER, Mich. - Virginia "Ginger" (nee Jurasin) Bennetts, 81, of Bessemer, passed away peacefully on Sunday, Jan. 1, 2023, surrounded by her loving family.

Ginger was born on Oct. 15, 1941, in Bessemer, a daughter of Joseph and Julia (Serbin) Jurasin. She attended St. Sebastian Catholic School. She graduated from the A.D. Johnston High School in Bessemer with the class of 1959.

Family was everything to Ginger! She spent many years caring for her father, Joseph, while raising her children until his death in 1969. Ginger truly loved her three children and daughter-in-law. Ginger's world was totally complete when her only granddaughter, Abby Ruth, was born in March 2012. From the moment Abby was born, Granny (as Abby called her) had a special connection with Abby. Granny was Abby's biggest fan and supporter. Ginger (aka Granny) always put her children and granddaughter first and made sure to support them be it at their school programs, sporting events, skating shows, dance recitals, or just spending time with them.

Ginger enjoyed spending time with her family including her siblings and their families. Being one of the youngest of nine children, Ginger was always there to help anyone who needed it. The "Love" for and "Importance" of family was one of Ginger's most distinguishing traits. She made sure to instill this in her children and to Abby. Her nieces and nephews and great-nieces and great-nephews loved spending time with Aunt Gingi. She equally loved spending time with them as well. Bringing family together was very important to Ginger. From Sunday dinners to holiday gatherings to just day to day visits, Ginger loved her coffee and social time. Ginger had a large extended family which weren't all blood relatives, but also included friends and their families.

Ginger had an amazing work ethic. Even when caring for her elderly father while raising her children, Ginger worked at Super Valu grocery store in Bessemer. She later worked at Stan's Big Dollar, Fox Point Sportswear and finished her work history at the Aspirus Ironwood Clinic working in environmental services until she was 71 years old. She thoroughly loved interacting with people and spreading joy to those around her.

Ginger is survived by her three children, Lee Ann, Bessemer, Brian (Carolyn), Ironwood, and Lori, Bessemer; and her granddaughter, Abby Ruth, Ironwood. She is also survived by a brother, Joseph, Bessemer; her sister-in-law, Delores Jurasin, Ramsay; numerous nieces and nephews; a large number of friends; and her special pets, Addy, Lulu and Oliver.

She was preceded in death by her parents; four brothers, John, Frank, Michael and Steve; and three sisters, Fran, Mary and Helen.

Ginger left a mark on everyone she met. Ginger's family would like to send a THANK YOU to the staff at the Westgate Nursing, Rehabilitation and Assisted Living Community for all the wonderful care and friendship given to our Mom over the past two years.

Ginger (Granny) will be greatly missed, but many great memories will carry on. Her love for family will carry on.

The family is honoring Ginger's life with a Mass of Christian Burial on Saturday, Jan. 7, at 11 a.m., preceded by visitation at 10 a.m., at St. Sebastian Catholic Church, 210 E. Iron St., in Bessemer, with the Rev. Dominic Agyapong, celebrant.

A luncheon will follow the Mass in the church hall.

Rite of Committal and interment will take place at the Hillcrest Cemetery in Bessemer, in the spring.

Jerald Rocco, owner and manager of Lakeside Memorial Chapel Inc., in Wakefield, is assisting the family with arrangements. To send online condolences or to share a memory please go to lakesidememorialchapel.com.