Virginia Holmes Avery, 82, of Barrington, Rhode Island, passed away of Alzheimer's on February 6, 2014. A long time resident of Marshfield, MA, Ginny grew up on a 20-acre farm in Manomet, MA and graduated from Plymouth High School. The daughter of Horace and Emelyn Holmes, she graduated from Boston University with a degree in Art Education, and art and teaching were the focal points of her life.
Ginny was the loving wife of David Avery of Barrington, RI for 57 years, the mother of three daughters, Lory Cummings, Lucia St Pierre and Allison Wilbur, and the grandmother of six. She is also survived by her sister, Joan West of Pembroke.
An active painter and teacher for over 50 years, Ginny worked mostly in watercolors and was recognized nationally for her landscapes and focus on nature. She was a member of the New England Watercolor Society and the Copley Society of Boston. A recipient of more than 50 awards in juried art shows, she participated in numerous national, international juried and one-woman shows, including a 1997 "40 Years with Watercolor" one-woman retrospective show at the South Shore Art Center.
A lifelong teacher who inspired students of all ages and levels, Ginny taught watercolor at the South Shore Art Center, the North River Art Society, the Duxbury Art Association, and at her private studio in Marshfield. She led teaching workshops to such places as Santa Fe, New Mexico, Bermuda, St. Maarten, Costa Rica and Portugal. As an artist and writer, Ginny published in major art magazines and her watercolors were featured in magazines and books. Her paintings are in over 500 private and public collections. In 2007 Ginny's career achievements were recognized by the New England Watercolor Society through the creation of an annual award given in her name.
A Celebration of Life memorial service will be held in the Spring, and details of the service will be disseminated by the family closer to the event. In lieu of flowers the family requests memorial donations be made to the South Shore Art Center, Cohasset, MA, the Plymouth Arts Center, Plymouth, MA, or to the Virginia Avery Award at the New England Watercolor Society, Boston, MA. www.wilbur-romano.com
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
6 Entries
March 4, 2014
What a wonderful person. She was a kind and encouraging teacher loved by many. Am grateful to have known her.
Anne Overbeck
March 4, 2014
Judy Manning
So many fond memories of painting in Ginny's classes over the years. Always an inspiration! I learned so much in her crit sessions. The best summers painting outdoors with lots of laughs during lunch. Love to Ginny's family esp. David.
February 23, 2014
Wendy Hale
What a joy our dear Ginny was to have in our lives. Her heart was beyond generous, her arms always open, her smile and spirit so warm and genuine. A mother to all her students, she guided each to find their own direction and way. I am so very grateful to have known Ginny, she will always be with me. Many hugs
February 13, 2014
Spaulding Outpatient
Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family during this difficult time. May the warmth of your memories give you peace and comfort.
February 13, 2014
The Staff of Wilbur-Romano Funeral Home
Offering our deepest condolences at this difficult time.
February 13, 2014
Warren Baker
My condolences to Dave and the family. What a joy to have known Ginny and been inspired by her.
Showing 1 - 6 of 6 results
The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.
Read moreWhat kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?
Read moreWe'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.
Read moreIf you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.
Read moreLegacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.
Read moreThey're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.
Read more