Virginia L. (Ginger) Ilardi's Obituary
Virginia L. (Ginger) Ilardi of Bartlett died peacefully at her home on November 14, 2022, following a long illness, with her family at her side. She was 78. Ginger was a retired medical technologist with special training in immunohematology, and worked in medical research for the University of Tennessee for most of her career. She attended Southern Methodist University in Dallas, Texas, and graduated from the University of Memphis with a Bachelor of Science degree in Biology. She also worked as a physician’s assistant in a family practice office for a number of years. Ginger’s love of nature and wildlife was a defining facet of her life. She and her husband transformed their backyard into a wildlife habitat, hosting many breeding birds and other wild creatures. For Ginger, it was her sanctuary - a place of wonder and beauty and peace - and she continued to add plantings and plan new features throughout her life. She was an avid birdwatcher and a longtime member of the Tennessee Ornithological Society, and delighted in sharing her knowledge and love of birds with others. With her husband and son, Ginger volunteered along with other TOS members in the intensive and successful effort to reestablish the breeding population of the Bald Eagle at Reelfoot Lake. Ginger was also a member of the Memphis African Violet Society for many years, and her plants and artistic arrangements won many awards at the Society’s shows, for which she later became a judge. Her artistry extended to other mediums including oil painting and needlepoint, and she also knitted many prayer shawls and blankets. Her other passions included music, especially opera, and science fiction. Ginger was a member of the Self-Realization Fellowship, and greatly valued the illumination its lessons offered her on her own spiritual journey. Ginger also loved cats, and had many over the years, mostly rescues that she and her husband lovingly cared for. One of these was 19-year-old Jake, who remained by her side throughout her illness. Ginger is survived by her sister, Janet Leigh of Cotuit, Massachusetts; her brother William (Billy) Ling of Gulfport, Mississippi; her nephews Thomas Leigh of Broad Brook, Connecticut, and David Leigh of Chicago, Illinois; her grand-nephew and niece, Rory and Màiri Carchrie-Leigh; and her dearest friend, Gary Orr. She was preceded in death by her husband of 50 years, Robert; her beloved son, John; her brother Ed Tuggle; her mother and step-father, Maxine and Edward Tuggle; and her father, William Ling.
Contributions in her honor may be made to The Nature Conservancy, the American Bird Conservancy, Defenders of Wildlife, the Ocean Conservancy, or other environmental organizations that are dedicated to the protection of wildlife and wild places.
A gathering of family and friends will be held at Ginger’s home in early spring to celebrate her life amid the glories of her garden as it emerges from winter.
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