We celebrate with joy the life of Ginny Klassen, who peacefully made her transition on August 11, 2025, at the United Mennonite Home in Vineland – just five days after her 94th birthday and six days after welcoming her newest great-grandchild into the world. Earlier that day, she was surrounded by love, with Peter, her devoted husband of 71 years, by her side.

Keeping her memory alive are her sons Kirby (Wendy) of St. Catharines and Neal (Barbara) of Kelowna, BC. She was the treasured grandma of Melissa (James), Brandon (Amanda), Nicole (James), Jordan (Dannica), and Chenise, and the proud great grandma of Liam, Henry, Addison, Ellis, Benjamin, Guenevere, Roman, Rhema, Mirayah, and Cecelia. She adored them all – and they adored her right back.

Ginny was born in St. Catharines and joked that she lived on or near Geneva Street her whole life, first at the south end, then at the north end.

Ginny was a true trailblazer. In 1948, she made Canadian sports history as part of the nation’s first women’s rowing team. Despite media ridicule and public criticism (those were different times), Ginny and her teammates rowed their way into the record books as the first female crew to compete at the Royal Canadian Henley Regatta. A statue in their honour – with her maiden name, Virginia Williams – stands today in Rennie Park, Port Dalhousie.

Her grit and determination were matched by her warmth, curiosity, and mischievous sense of humor. Known as “the mom of Aquadale Drive,” she turned her backyard pool into a summer gathering place for every neighborhood kid, making sure no one ever left thirsty or hungry. Kirby and Neal may have been her only official children, but many, many others considered her “mom.” She had a way of making people feel safe.

For many years, Ginny was part of “The Angels,” the Ladies’ Auxiliary for the Singing Saints barbershop chorus, of which Peter was a longtime member. Some of her happiest adventures were traveling to International Barbershop Conventions across North America – music, laughter, and friendship at the heart of them all.

Ginny lived a long, happy, and healthy life. Up to her 90th year, she would joke that she had only been in the hospital three times: when she was born, and when each of her sons were born. Her mind and sense of humor were intact right to the very end, but her body was tired and needed rest. We joyfully celebrate her spirit as it goes onto the next leg of her journey, knowing that she knew she was loved.

In keeping with her wishes, a celebration of life will be held when she and her husband are reunited.

Memories and notes of condolence may be shared at Funeral Home Not Listed.