HOWARD, Virginia Louise

It is with a profound sense of loss that we announce that Virginia Louise Howard passed away peacefully with her friends and family at her side in Dartmouth General Hospital on July 6, 2020. She was 54. Virginia was born in Montreal and raised in Whitney Pier. She was a daughter of Mary Macinnis (Tobin) and John Hugh Macinnis (deceased). She leaves behind her husband of 22 years, Ken; and their children, Edward and Julia. Virginia is survived by her sisters, Melanie Macinnis, Halifax; and Patricia Macinnis, Toronto; along with many aunts, uncles and cousins. Growing up, Virginia spent her early summer holidays in Toronto and cultivated what would become an amazing foundation for her fiercely independent style and beliefs. Virginia was very active in team sports and played on many school teams on through to Saint Mary’s University in Halifax where she excelled at volleyball. While at SMU she was an active volunteer and was a member of many clubs and teams and was a floor "’don" where she mentored younger students. She earned her Bachelor of Commerce degree and went on to work in the Canadian high- tech industry. She was a proud alumnus of Prior Data Sciences, xwave and CAE and developed many longlasting friendships throughout her career. She took several years off to raise her children before returning to the civilian workforce at the RCMP where she retired in 2014. Always quick with a kind laugh and a smile, Virginia tirelessly looked after her family and friends and could be counted on for anything. She had a great love of life in all its forms and spent hers seeing the best in everything and everyone. She tended her gardens, art, music and literature and spent many hours reading. She loved horses and went riding as often as she could with Julia. Her many cats and dogs over the years certainly enjoyed her company. Virginia could be found at all the hockey rinks and soccer fields as she never missed a practice, game or road tournament with her son Eddie. An avid hockey fan, she was always ready to debate in those "who’s the best" conversations that all Canadians love. Virginia’s love of sports and strength of character has blossomed in her children who are continuing the tradition. Virginia was a great chef and loved to host family events. Her kitchen was always a busy spot and visitors to her home never left wanting. Family camping and summers in Prince Edward Island along with spending time near or in the ocean are central to her life remembered. Virginia was the shining light in our family and although she is in our hearts will be forever missed. The family wishes to express their deepest gratitude to Virginia’s doctors, nurses and palliative care team. Special thanks to Virginia’s lifelong friend Mary Macdonald for her care and support. Cremation and funeral arrangements have been entrusted to J.A. Snow Funeral Home, 339 Lacewood Dr., Halifax. Visitation will be held in J. A. Snow Funeral Home on Thursday, July 16th from 2-4 and 6-8 p.m. An interment service will take place in Oxford at a later date. Online condolences may be made at: www.jasnowfuneralhome.com