Virginia Katherine "Ginna" Gorman

Virginia Gorman, affectionately known as Ginna, passed away on March 5, 2026, at the age of 98. Born on October 11, 1927, in Kansas City, Kansas, she was given her cherished nickname by her two-year-old brother Joe, who could not yet pronounce Virginia. She lived her entire life in the house where she was born near downtown Kansas City, Kansas, until moving to Village Shalom Assisted Living at age 95.

Ginna walked half a block down the alley behind her home to Central Grade School and later walked more than a mile to Wyandotte High School. After graduation, she commuted by bus to Junior College in Kansas City, Missouri, where she gained the skills that launched her professional career. She worked as an insurance underwriter, with her favorite position at G.R. Fiss Co., owned by former football pro Galen Fiss, who valued both her expertise and her deep love of the game. That passion for football came from her brothers Joe and Paul, whose enthusiasm she wholeheartedly shared.

Family was at the center of Ginna’s life. She adored her mother, Doris Taylor Gorman, and faithfully attended Mass with her at St. Anthony’s until Doris’s death in 1992. Together they doted on Joe and June’s daughters Laura (Presko), Carol (Dixon), and Janet (Branham), and Paul and Barbara’s children Cynthia (Rider) and Anthony. Ginna and her mother spent countless hours babysitting the five children, patiently playing game after game despite their own dislike of them. Known for her impeccable taste and generosity, Ginna delighted in buying exquisite, high-quality clothing from upscale shops for her nieces and nephew, especially at birthdays and Christmas.

Ginna’s independent spirit shone when, in her late twenties, she asked her brothers to drive her to Parrish Chevrolet in Liberty, Missouri. There she paid $2,000 in cash for a brand-new, two-toned aqua and white 1955 Chevrolet Bel Air, which she named Baby Doll—despite not yet knowing how to drive. With only a few lessons from Joe and Paul, she taught herself in the expansive parking lots of the Fairfax industrial district. She remained in her beloved home for nine decades, treasuring her family and her unique way of moving through the world. Her memorable spirit will continue to be cherished by the four remaining generations who loved her.