Virginia Moran - Obituary

irginia “Ginger” Fawsett Moran, age 89, passed away on April 29th of dementia complications. Born December 17th, 1933, in Washington DC, she was a lifelong Oxon Hill, MD resident until her move to Greenspring Retirement Community 10 years ago with her loving husband of 66 years, Tom, who was by her side until the end. Ginger was deeply involved in the community and was a loved, dynamic, and active participant in everything she did. When she was in the room, you knew it, and could often hear her presence in the next room! She reflected the outgoing and engaging demeanor of her father William Gladstone Fawsett, and his sister Mary (Fawsett) Karn, while embodying the warmth, kindness and generosity of her mother, Margaret “Woo” Fawsett. There wasn’t a person she ever passed that didn’t receive a warm greeting and a smile, and many times a lively conversation (whether they wanted to engage or not) wherever she was. She was a proud graduate of Oxon Hill High School in 1951, and of the University of Maryland in 1955. She lettered in track and basketball at Oxon Hill, and again ran track at Maryland while also a member of the Gymkana Troupe. She graduated with a degree in Physical Education, making Dean's List throughout, and was named Female Athlete of the Year in 1953. Her intense loyalty to her alma mater was a mainstay of her personality, and a simple mention of the Terps was likely to induce a robust rendition of the Maryland Victory Song. Ginger always prioritized volume and enthusiasm over tone! After graduating from Maryland, she began a long successful career as an educator by teaching at Suitland Senior High School where she met her husband Tom, who told her on their first date that they would marry. They were married at Saint Ignatius Catholic Church in 1956. Tom and Ginger became charter members of Saint Columba Catholic Church at its founding in 1960, and that quickly became the center of their social, spiritual, and service-to-others life. Along the way they had 5 children, and Ginger still found time to volunteer at many organizations including Saint Columba where she got to indulge her love of babies and family with weekly baptism duty; the Knights of Columbus Ladies Auxiliary where she impacted every event the Knights held; and even the Oxon Hill Rec Club where she ran a tight ship as the swim team Clerk of Course for a decade. Ginger’s last word on her final day was “Grandma”; a role she held in higher esteem than any other. This was symbolic of her true passion for her family of 5 children and 5 grandchildren. There wasn’t a field trip she didn’t go on, or a kid’s sporting event she didn’t watch, and their interests became hers. She welcomed all into the house and treated her children’s friends like she treated her own, in a loving, generous manner. When her grandchildren were born, her life’s devotion revolved around them, often taking them to experience new things including historic battlefield trips, new museums, Medieval Times visits, and kid’s day camps she had painstakingly researched. She is survived by her devoted husband, Thomas F. Moran of Springfield, VA; her sons, Thomas Moran and his wife Brooks of Oakton VA; Kevin Moran and partner Stacy Neuberger of Dothan AL; Tim Moran and wife Lori of Nashville TN; Mike Moran and wife Jennifer of Haymarket VA; daughter Margaret Moran and partner Rosie Sjam of Alexandria; and grandchildren, Grady Moran; Patrick Moran and wife Katy; Kathleen Moran; Mason Moran; and McKinley Moran. A visitation will be on Sunday, May 7th, 2023 from 2-4 pm & 6-8 pm at Kalas Funeral Home in Oxon Hill, MD. Mass of Christian Burial will be offered on Monday, May 8th at 10 am at St. Columba Catholic Church, followed by burial at St. Barnabas Church and Cemetery in Temple Hills, MD. The family encourages donations to the Alzheimer's Association in lieu of flowers.