Virginia Louise Maine

Virginia "Ginger" Louise Maine, age 86, formerly of Rochester Mills, peacefully passed away in her sleep on October 10, 2023, at Brookdale in Murrysville, PA, where she had been bravely battling Alzheimer's.

Ginger was preceded in death by her loving husband of 47 years, John Groves Maine, of Rochester Mills.

Ginger had a strong work ethic, obtaining her first job at Brown's Boot Shop in Punxsutawney. She graduated from DuBois High School and was a proud alumnae of the Pennsylvania State University, where she earned her bachelor degree. She continued her education at the University of Pittsburgh, obtaining a graduate degree and lifetime choice of whether to root for Penn State or Pitt in their rivalry games.  Ginger had a full career in social work and physchotherapy around the country, to include Clearfield, Indianapolis and Houston.

After many years in Houston, Ginger and Johnny embarked on a new adventure, relocating to the Mottorn family farm in Rochester Mills in 1981. There, they founded Silverbrook Farms, combining John's passion for farming with their shared love for animals, including sheep, goats, rabbits, emus, donkeys, chickens, alpacas, and llamas. Ginger owned and operated Silverbrook Shoppe, sharing her love for fiber arts and teaching spinning, weaving and knitting to many other crafters.

With a zest for travel, Ginger and John explored the world together, with Bora Bora and Egypt holding a special place in their hearts. They loved to cruise the Caribbean and Mediterranean Seas and Ginger honored Johnny with a cruise from Alaska to Florida in 2017. Ginger was also involved in AAUW and PEO.

Ginger is survived by her children: Jennifer Maine Sizemore (Tim) of Murrysville, PA; and Robert V. Maine (Michelle) of Claremore, OK; and nephew Michael D. Maine (Kelly) of New Castle, PA. She also leaves behind three cherished grandchildren: Rebecca Maine (Ryan Pape) of Missoula, MT; Ryan Maine of Pittsburgh, PA; and Jacob Sizemore of Youngwood, PA. In addition to her husband John, Ginger was preceded in death by her parents, Jacob Paul Mottorn (US Army, Ret.) and Agnes Capitola (Armstrong) Mottorn, as well as her siblings, Sarah "Sally" Hopkins and David P. Mottorn (USAF, Ret.).

The family will receive friends from 11am until noon on Friday, October 13, 2023 at the Shumaker Funeral Home, Inc. A funeral service will follow directly at 12pm with Pastor Erin Kobs officiating. 

Ginger will be laid to rest at the Morningside Cemetery in DuBois, where she will rest beside her beloved husband and near her cherished parents, siblings and nephew.

In lieu of flowers memorial contributions can be made to Just Us For the Animals: 90 Morrison Ave. Punxsutawney, PA 15767.

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