Obituary of Virginia Ann Northcott

Virginia “Ginger” Northcott (nee Mason) July 1, 1942 – February 19, 2025

It is with heavy hearts that the family of Ginger Northcott announce her passing, after a courageous battle with dementia, in her 83^rd year. Ginger is survived by her devoted children, Heather and Robert Northcott, daughter-in-law Tracy and grandsons Isaac and Sam, brother Peter Mason (Dorothy) and nieces Sandra, Andrea, Joanna and Lesley, sister-in-law Gail Dawson and nieces Sherri, Alisun and Julie. She will be fondly remembered by her Aunt Jeanne Page, cousins and many dear friends. Ginger was predeceased by her husband Richard Northcott, her parents Len and Ida Mason, her parents-in-law Richard and Aileen Northcott and her brother-in-law Harry Dawson.

Ginger had an idyllic childhood in Leaside before moving to Markham as a teen. Her passion for physical health and education led her to the Ontario Athletic Leadership Camp and was the focus of her studies at York University/University of Toronto, where she received a B.A. in Psychology, with a Specialist in Physical and Health Education and Guidance Counselling. She taught Geography and was the first woman and youngest Head of the Girls’ Physical and Health Department at Markham District High School, where she met her future husband. After staying home with her kids for 10 years, she returned to education as a Guidance Counsellor for the York Region Board of Education. When caregiving for her parents became a priority, she moved into residential real estate, in her brother’s company, and served the Markham community for 17 years.

Ginger approached life with an open mind and heart. As a music lover, she participated in many choirs and frequently attended musical and theatre performances. She also found joy in painting and other forms of art. She was an enthusiastic member of the international folk dance community for more than 50 years and lived by the motto “international understanding through dance.” With her two other musketeers, Olga Sandolowich and Helen Kirkby, Ginger took advantage of every opportunity to learn and dance in community with others. In the later part of her life, Ginger became an avid traveller with family and friends, exploring different countries and cultures and making new friends along the way. One of the most enjoyable periods of her life was assisting with building a home from scratch. But few things made her as happy as spending time with her beloved grandsons.

The family is deeply appreciative of the gentle and loving care that Ginger received from private personal support workers during the past several years and from many staff members at Bethany Lodge over the past 18 months.

Ginger was a bright light in our lives and we are grateful to have so many wonderful memories. She will be profoundly missed by those who knew and loved her.

A private cremation has been held. A joyous celebration of Ginger’s life will be held at Dixon-Garland Funeral Home on April 5, 2025 from 12:00pm.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Doctors without Borders, the Stephen Lewis Foundation or the Toronto Wildlife Centre.

Dress Code: Bright Colours

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