The community of Oxford lost one of its strong women last week with the sudden passing of Virginia ‘Gini? Britton on Thursday, Oct. 4, 2007. She was 56.
‘We’re all in a state of shock and just can’t believe it happened,? said Darlene Toliver, president of the Oxford Women’s Club. ‘She’s going to be missed a lot. Not only by us, but by anybody she’s ever worked with in the community.?
Britton’s cherished belief in community involvement and tireless commitment to serving others was reflected through her memberships in the Rotary Club of Oxford and the Oxford Women’s Club.
Britton joined the Rotary Club in November 2000 and had served as president since July 1.
‘She would make you feel welcome no matter who you were or where you were at,? said fellow Rotarian Marilyn Duiguid, who noted Britton’s death is ‘going to leave a big hole? in Oxford.
Britton also worked as the community relations representative in Oakland County for U.S. Rep. Mike Rogers (R-Brighton) since April, and has been a friend of the congressman for a long time.
‘She had a gift for helping people and a caring heart that never quit,? said Rogers in a statement issued by his office Thursday. ‘I am deeply saddened by her passing and was honored to call her friend.?
Beyond her job and community, Britton’s true passion, her reason for getting out of bed every morning, was her family, the product of her happy 31-year union with husband, Dick.
Born about a month ago, Britton considered her granddaughter, Kathleen, to be a gift from God.
It was this little bundle of joy that helped Britton get through her mother’s funeral Oct. 3, which was ironically, the day before her own passing.
At her core, Britton was a fighter. She fought hard for the people and causes she held dear. In recent years, Britton faced the toughest challenge of her life ? breast cancer.
As usual, she didn’t back down and her determination was an inspiration to all who knew her.
‘A stronger-willed person, I’ve not met one yet,? said Duiguid, who noted that while undergoing chemotherapy treatments, Britton ‘hardly ever missed a Rotary meeting.?
Britton fought her cancer and won. Finished with chemotherapy a year ago, ‘she was back on her feet and back to work,? according to Duiguid.
That’s why her unexpected death last week was such a shock to everyone who knew her.
Britton is survived by her husband Dick; beloved children Michelle (Chris) Pickard and Bridget Britton, both of Oxford; and cherished granddaughter Kathleen. She’s also survived by her sister-in-law Mary Farrell.
Britton is preceded in death by her parents, Russell and Elizabeth ‘Betty? Farrell, and her brother Russell Farrell, Jr.
A celebration of Britton’s life was held Monday, Oct. 8 at St. Joseph Catholic Church in Lake Orion. Arrangements were made by Huntoon Funeral Home.
In lieu of flowers, the family requested donations be made in Britton’s memory to the Oxford Township Parks and Recreation Splash Park.