Virginia Marie (Trider) Kamb, born March 20, 1928, died peacefully at her home in Houghs Neck, Quincy on July 8, 2017, aged 89 years. Beloved daughter of W. Edward Trider and Rose Helena (Higgins) Trider of Charlestown, MA. Sister to James Trider of Sarasota, FL, Edward Trider of the Woodlands, TX, Robert Trider of Wyomissing, PA and Rosemary Houghton of Tewksbury, MA. Devoted wife for nearly 60 years of Robert W Kamb, mother of Robert Jr, (Rebecca) of East Sandwich, Joseph (Linda) of Walpole, Stephen (Lisa) of Quincy and Mary Kamb of Quincy. Dear “Nanny” to her 6 grandchildren Lauren, Stephen, Robert III, Madeleine, Daniel and John.

Virginia was born and raised in Charlestown and moved to Quincy to raise her family. She dearly loved the beach, her water view from Bayview Avenue and the tight knit and colorful Houghs Neck community that she called home for 57 years. She was always very proud that she and Bob received the Community Council “Good Neighbor” award for their participation  and contributions that made the Neck such a beloved place for her.

While she was single, Ginny worked as an operator for the New England Telephone company in Boston, walking to and from work from her home in Charlestown nearly every day. She was an outspoken advocate for labor and a proud union member, elected as president  of her Communications Workers of America local.  She made and kept many lifetime friends from her time at Ma Bell and always spoke fondly of the girls she worked with.

Growing up in a close family with three loving but rough and tumble brothers and her baby sister, she learned from an early age to speak up for and defend herself, and throughout her life never hesitated to express her opinion.

After marriage, she threw herself wholeheartedly into making a warm and affectionate home for her husband and children. She sent Bob Sr off to work every day with a hot breakfast and a bagged lunch, including a pre-peeled orange, while she faithfully and energetically kept the home fires burning.

Virginia was blessed with a uniquely elegant sense of style and fashion perfectly suited to her. She was well known and loved as a talented and creative seamstress who sent hundreds of brides down the aisle in gowns custom designed and fitted just for them. The self-styled “friendly village seamstress”, she frequently created custom fashion designs for entire wedding parties, and her sewing room, (and many other parts of the house), was always a beehive of artistic and creative frenzy that she absolutely thrived on. Virginia also made flags, curtains, furniture covers, costumes and could alter, mend, hem, sew, stitch, fix, improve and embellish anything made of cloth or that remotely resembled fabric.

She was fiercely proud of her children and was a “tiger mom” before that was even a thing. Ginny was a firm believer in old school discipline and provided a loving and nurturing home with high expectations for excellence that sent 4 children into the world believing that they could do anything and knowing that they were well loved.

She loved to sing, and could always be persuaded to belt out a tune for any occasion and any crowd. She knew all the songs and always had an appropriate lyric for any situation. Virginia was a dependable member of the Most Blessed Sacrament choir, and while she could, lifted her voice to God’s glory every Sunday. Ginny was a great dancer and she and Bob were known as “Fred and Ginger” for their smooth moves on the dance floor.

She took a childlike delight in being outside, whatever the season, and loved the beach and swimming in summer and sledding and skiing in winter. She was not a pro sports fan but hardly ever missed one of her kids’ games. As a late bloomer, she spent a few seasons in the Houghs Neck Ladies softball league where she distinguished herself as the league’s oldest rookie. Along with some of her other friends, she founded the Nut Island Ladies Athletic Club, “Nut-I Ladies” for short, and they dominated the women’s division of the Houghs Neck marathon in the 70s.

Virginia loved to travel, and she and Bob had many hilarious adventures on trips all over the US and Europe with Bob’s brother John and his wife Barbara. With the encouragement of her friends, she learned to drive at age 40, which completely liberated an already free spirit. She took up guitar with her sister in law Barbara, and despite the howls and teasing of her kids, could pick out several recognizable tunes.

As a 25 year plus Quincy YMCA member, she formed many more lifetime friends, and looked forward to her daily exercise routine, coffee with the girls at McDonalds and the annual “old lady” summer camps on the Cape. She taught many children to swim as a volunteer instructor and got great joy from helping kids improve their reading through the Adams Shore Library Reading Round- Up program.

A true exemplar of the “greatest generation”, Virginia had a vibrant and indomitable spirit, was not afraid to try anything and brought joy and enthusiasm with her wherever she went and whatever she did. Her life was full and well lived, with the love of family, friends and community ever present. In her last few years, ill health slowed her down but never dimmed her spirit. Her passing has left us diminished, but not the memories she created.

In tribute to her memory and the Houghs Neck community that brought her so much joy, happiness and satisfaction, the family requests that in lieu of flowers, kindly consider a donation to the Houghs Neck Community Council Permanent Book Award in her name. Please make your check payable to HNCC SF and mail to HNCC SF, 45 Turner St, Quincy Ma, 02169  or online at www.houghsneck.org.

A Funeral Mass will be celebrated in Most Blessed Sacrament Church, Sea St., Quincy, Thursday July 13 at 11AM. Visiting hours at Dolan Funeral Home, 460 Granite Ave., EAST MILTON SQUARE, Wednesday 4-8PM.