Charlton: On Nov.23rd, Virginia "Ginny" (Smithers) Sanders, 87,  passed away.

She leaves her husband of 33 years, Thomas "Satch" Sanders; her four sons, Kyle C. Stephanos and wife Holly, Dale C. Stephanos and wife Maria, Braun C. Stephanos and wife Kelley, and Tarn C. Stephanos; her seven grandchildren, Isabella Stephanos, Liam Stephanos, Sophia Stephanos, Sarah Stephanos, Stella Stephanos, Caitlyn Burns, Lesley Gilford and two great grandchildren, Alaya and Allie.

She was predeceased by her two brothers, Bill "Smitty" Smithers and Mike Smithers.  Ginny was born in Boston the daughter of William and Elizabeth (Faulkner) Smithers. She grew up in Somerville and went on to receive her bachelors degree from Springfield College, her masters degree from Lesley University, and continued her education at Northeastern University.

In her youth she won multiple national championships as a long distance swimmer. The Ginny Smithers pool at the John F. Kennedy School in Somerville, MA was named in her honor. The plaque at the pool declares Ginny "Somerville's Gift to the Aquatic World."

Ginny's professional career at Northeastern University and as a psychotherapist was impressive, but her true accomplishment in life was not a resume bullet-point. Hugely charismatic, her superpower was creating life and community wherever she went. In later life, Ginny became an inspiration and beacon of hope to those battling cancer.

Virginia's funeral service and burial will be private.  There are no calling hours.

Ginny lived life to the very last drop. In lieu of flowers, get up, get out, and live.

The Daniel T. Morrill Funeral Home, 130 Hamilton St., Southbridge, is directing arrangements.