This Beautiful Tribute was sent to Susan Daniell Donaldson from Ginna's Daughter Connie Nuttall (connienuttall@gmail.com)  We will look to Susan for the information re:  a Memorial Service.  Any Comments or Photos can be postedd to the site.

Virginia “Ginna” Froelich Brosnihan               2/7/47-7/6/21

I don’t understand how my heart could have been so full one minute and completely shattered the next. You can’t know me and not have known or known about my mom. She coached my little league soccer team. She was the loudest cheerleader at every sporting event, ballet recital, and graduation—even when I sucked or DQ’d. She was the referee, timer, ribbon writer and clerk of course at swim team. She never missed a single award ceremony or parade, and was a volunteer on trips for the Macy Day Parade, World Fair and Rose Bowl. She volunteered for anything and everything Danny and I competed or participated in—and we did everything...Piano, ballet, trombone, drums, soccer, softball, lacrosse, tennis, swimming, scouts, fife and drum corp...the list is exhausting. She traveled to my triathlons, like not just the local events...she came to OKC, and Germany and everyone on team USA knew my mom and her cowbell. She visited me in France and Africa—twice. She travelled cross country with me in my camper. She listened to me cry when I was heartbroken, she empathized when I was frustrated, and always celebrated my victories.  She supported every crazy dream I’ve ever had. She has been my rock as I have wandered and stumbled all over the globe. She is the glue that has held our family together...and when I say family, I’m not just talking about relatives. If you have spent any time with Danny or I, in any significant way, you know our mom. And if you know her, you most certainly have experienced her generosity. She gave freely and asked for nothing in return. She loved sports, especially her godforsaken redskins. In fact you probably went to a redskins game if you knew Danny or I because she was always sharing her season tickets. I am so eternally grateful to have had these past 2 weeks with her. 4th of July was her favorite holiday (2nd only to Xmas), and I will forever remember watching the fireworks on the dock this past weekend. I talked to her on my lunch break yesterday and she told me she had taken Ruby for walk in her golf cart. My heart was so full it could have exploded. And a few short hours later she was gone. Life is so short, we had so many plans for this summer. As I type this, I still can’t believe she is gone. I’m asking for lots of grace as I learn how to navigate this new reality, and keep her memory alive for her grandkids, who she simply adored. I would absolutely love if you would share any pictures or memories on her fb page. We will share plans for a memorial service shortly.

Connie Nuttall (connienuttall@gmail.com)

OBITUARIES

Virginia F Brosnihan

FEBRUARY 7, 1947 – JULY 6, 2021

Virginia (Ginna) Froelich Brosnihan passed away unexpectedly on July 6, 2021. Ginna was born in Bridgeville, PA to Elizabeth Silhol and John Froelich and grew up in Mt Lebanon, PA. She graduated from Marjorie Webster College, Bethesda, MD in 1964. After graduation she worked for Roll Call Magazine and went on to become Executive Secretary for two US Congressmen from 1968-1976. She married her husband of 52 years, Daniel Brosnihan on May 24, 1969. Ginna transitioned to real estate in 1986, and prior to her retirement was the owner of Arcadia Realty.

Ginna enjoyed any kind of sporting event, but there was no team she loved more than her Redskins. She and her husband Dan were season ticket holders for over 30 years. Ginna went to every home game and staunchly supported her team, even when they underperformed (over and over again). She was a master tailgater, and looked forward to sharing time with her family, friends, and her fellow Skins fans. Ginna’s support for the Redskins was only overshadowed by her unwavering love and devotion to her children and grandchildren. Ginna was the gold standard of being a parent. She was present for every swim meet, ballet recital, awards ceremony, parade, and sports event that her children participated in. She was the cheerleader, soccer coach, den mother, chaperone, and chauffer for anything that involved her children or their friends – who affectionately referred to her as Mrs. B. Ginna was a Barcroft Dolphin and tirelessly volunteered her time as referee, timer, ribbon writer, and clerk of course for the swim team. From the rec center to school, Ginna’s philosophy was to play an active role and advocate for her family in every aspect of their lives. While she held many titles and wore many hats throughout her life, Grandmother was her most cherished. She never missed an opportunity to talk to, visit, or support her grandchildren. While ‘Grandma’ attended graduations, recitals, sporting and scouting events, her true love was cooking with the grandchildren.

Ginna opened her heart and her home to everyone. She loved unconditionally and welcomed family and friends into her home throughout her entire life. Whether you had known Ginna for years or just met her for the first time, nobody ever left without feeling genuinely welcomed and cared for, or with an empty belly. Ginna is survived by her husband Daniel Joseph Brosnihan III, daughter Debra Brosnihan, son Daniel (Carolyn) Brosnihan, grandchildren Kyla, Patrick and Declan Brosnihan, her sisters Sally Fitzgerald, Joan Westdyke, Mary Reeves, and many nieces, nephews, and cousins.

IN THE CARE OF Demaine Funeral Home

Virginia Froelich Brosnihan  (Age 74)  
Passed unexpectedly on July 6, 2021. She is survived by her husband, Daniel Joseph Brosnihan, III, children, Debra and Daniel (Carolyn) Brosnihan, grandchildren, Kyla, Patrick and Declan, sisters, Sally, Mary, and Joan, and a host of other relatives and friends. A Memorial Gathering will be held on July 14, 2021 from 4 p.m. to 7 pm. at Demaine Funeral Home, 5308 Backlick Road, Springfield, VA. A Memorial Mass will be celebrated on July 15, 2021 at 10:30 a.m. at Queen Of Apostles Catholic Church, 4329 Sano St, Alexandria, VA. Please visit https://www.dignitymemorial.com/obituaries/springfield-va/virginia-brosnihan-10261170 to leave condolences for the Brosnihan family.

Published by The Washington Post from Jul. 11 to Jul. 13, 2021.