Virginia "Ginny" Perkins

Virginia McMillin Perkins, “Ginny” passed away peacefully on January 26, 2024 surrounded by her children, Betsy and Bob. Ginny fought hard and seemed to have nine lives. She survived cancer multiple times and ultimately succumbed to heart failure. Through it all, she maintained an ever-positive attitude that brought joy to all.

Ginny was preceded in death by her husband of 55 years, William Robert “Bob” Perkins III, as well as her brother Donald McMillin (Bitty Dorr). She is survived by her sister Betsy Kerr (Andy); her children Betsy and Bob (Kristin); ever loving Mimi to her grandchildren Quinn, Clarke, and Tatum; and Aunt Ginny to many.

Ginny attended Cleveland Heights High School and was a graduate of Northwestern University where she met Bob, who was pursuing his MBA. She was sorority sisters with Bob’s younger sister Marsha, who set them up on a blind date and the rest is history. After graduation, Ginny and Bob were married and planted roots in Cleveland.

Ginny was a devoted mother and supported Bob’s career. She was involved with the Junior Committee of the Cleveland Orchestra and the Junior League. After raising kids, Ginny took a job helping coordinate medical research. She and Bob, with close friends, formed a Paddle Group and a Gourmet Club. More recently, Ginny was active with the Intown Club (past president), the Village Garden Club, and her Mahjong group. 

She enjoyed life and loved connecting with friends at the Cleveland Skating Club, where she was member for more than 50 years. Ginny had a passion for racquet sports, playing tennis multiple times a week for decades. She continued a weekly game up until just a few years ago. In later years, Ginny enjoyed playing golf with Bob while they wintered in Florida. Ginny and Bob had a passion for travel that took them all over the globe. One constant in Ginny’s life was the Chautauqua Institution. From the time she was a little girl, Ginny spent summers at the lake making many lifelong friends and memories.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations to UH Seidman Cancer Center, P.O. Box 94554, Cleveland, OH 44101, or online at https://www.uhgiving.org/.

A celebration of Ginny’s life will be held at a later date. Interment will take place this summer in the Chautauqua Cemetery, Chautauqua, NY.