Virginia Magdalene Coykendall

June 24, 1930 - November 27, 2018

Virginia Magdalene Coykendall passed into the Lord’s care with her loving family by her side on November 27, following the natural progression of her having aged gracefully. Ginny was born in Chicago, IL in 1930 and spent her formative years in Topeka, KS. After high school, she enrolled in St. Mary’s College in Lawrence, KS in conjunction with the St. Francis Hospital School of Nursing and graduated with her diploma (RN) in 1954. After deciding to be a bit bold and adventurous, she moved briefly to Denver then onward to San Francisco, where she found employment with the Merchant Marine Hospital. As well, she met her beloved Richard “Dick” Coykendall and they were married on June 23, 1962. They lived for a few years in the City before moving to San Mateo where they created a home, raised their three children and became involved in their community. A woman of unwavering faith, Ginny was an active parishioner at St. Gregory’s Church devoting time to the Women’s Club, the Gregorian’s, as a Eucharist Minister and many other activities. She met friends with whom she played Bridge, tirelessly worked the church rummage sales, and ministered to home bound parishioners and families in the San Mateo community. Ginny and Dick enjoyed a joyous camaraderie with friends as part of a 49ers tail-gate group for well over a decade. Ginny also enjoyed skiing with her family and longtime friends the Schwartz family, mostly at Tahoe. She travelled frequently with Dick cherishing trips to Kansas, National Parks, Europe, Asia and cruises to Alaska and Mexico. Always the nurse, Ginny remained an active practitioner working in local doctor’s offices.

Ginny is survived by Richard, her loving husband of 55 years. Also surviving are Greg, Wendy and grandson Braden Coykendall of Williamsburg, VA; Brian Coykendall of Fremont, CA; Anne and David Wilhoit of Ann Arbor, MI; grand-daughters Katie and Amanda Wilhoit both of Boston, MA; numerous cherished nieces and nephews.

Funeral Mass to be held Monday, December 3rd, 10:30 AM at St. Gregory Catholic Church, San Mateo.