Virginia Gertrude "Ginny" Elwell May 20, 1930 August 24, 2012 Portland - Virginia Gertrude ""Ginny"" Elwell, 82 of Portland, passed away peacefully at the Barron Center with her loving family by her side on August 24, 2012. Virginia loved animals with all her heart. Virginia was the daughter of the late Carroll and Gertrude Harriman. She was born on May 20, 1930. She graduated from Deering High School in 1948. Virginia worked as a housekeeper and later for Jayson Toy Company. She also worked at Barber Foods and later at Rich's, as a supervisor at both locations. She was a member of the Salvation Army, a Sunday School teacher and a den mother with the Sunshine Girls when her kids were young. Virginia was also a Pythian Sister in Cumberland Temple # 87, holding various positions in the Pythian's Temple. From April 28, 1984 to April 27, 1985, she was the Grand Chief of Maine and also served as the Past President of the State Past Chiefs Association of Maine. In April of every year, she looked forward to the Grand Session where she would see her sisters from Maine, New Hampshire and Canada. Her last Pythian Supreme Convention was in Norfolk, Virginia in August of 2008. She was there with her daughter, Judith, Daughter-in-law, Fran and her great-granddaughter, Georgianna. Virginia worked raising money for Make-A-Wish, United Way and many other organizations while in Sisters. Virginia was also the past Master for the Prescott Grange for many years. She ran the bingo and Sunday dinners to raise money for different organizations. She had total control of taking care of the hall. Virginia was predeceased by her husband, Clement Elwell in 1968, a son, James Elwell in 1994 and a brother and sister. She is survived by her children, Bruce Elwell, Sr. and his wife Judie of Portland, her daughter Judith Stoddard of Portland, her son William Elwell and his wife Marie of Windham, a daughter-in-law, Frances Elwell of Portland, a sister Ethel Friese of California, as well as 13 grandchildren and 11 great-grandchildren. The family would like to thank the doctors and staff of Mercy Hospital and the Barron Center for all the care they gave her over the last three years, as well as her daughter, Judith for the loving care she provided over the last seven years. Relatives and friends are invited to attend visiting hours on Tuesday, August 28, 2012 from 4 - 7pm at A.T. Hutchins, LLC Funeral Home, 660 Brighton Ave, Portland. There will also be a funeral service at the funeral home on Wednesday, August 29, 2012 at 10am, followed by interment in Buxton. To offer words of condolence and share memories with the family, please go to the obituaries section at www.athutchins.com