Virginia L. Staples, 93, died peacefully in her sleep on Tuesday, Dec. 17, 2019 at Bella Point Bridgton Assisted Living Facility. She had been a resident of the Bridgton Healthcare and most recently Bella Point for the last 11 years. She had been admitted to the Bridgton Hospital a week prior and transferred back to Bella Point under care of Androscoggin Hospice Care.

Virginia, or Jink as she was popularly known, was a lifelong resident of Bridgton having been born to Fred and Reba Robinson on Sept. 11, 1926 as the youngest of three daughters and one brother. She was predeceased by her parents, her siblings and husband, Reginald Staples. She is survived by her son Vaughn Staples, and his wife, Linda of Bridgton; daughter Linda Tedford of Sebring, Fla.; four grandchildren, seven great grandchildren and many nieces and nephews, who affectionately called her just “aunt.”

Jink always enjoyed having family gatherings and birthday celebrations at her and Reg’s home on Moose Pond.  There was usually a horseshoe game in the summer and a pool competition in the winter going on while the barbecues and tables were being set-up.  She loved playing cards and if Skip-Bo or Uno was mentioned, she was ready to play at any time.

Jink was very patriotic beginning with her involvement as a leader in the Girl Scouts.  She was instrumental in reinitiating, encouraging involvement in and organizing the Veterans Day Service and the Memorial Day Service, both held at the Veterans Memorial in Post Office Square. 

She was a long-time member of the Methodist Church and the WSCS, the United Methodist Women’s organization. She held positions in the Order of the Eastern Star and Order of the Rebekahs. Jink and Betty Cross were responsible for reactivating the baccalaureate service for graduating seniors of Lake Region High School and served as co-chairs for a number of years and especially selecting speakers who spoke with relevance to the students.

Jink, for many years, did housekeeping for the Dr. Fred Skillins family and worked many summers for the Bridgton Chamber of Commerce Information Office. Until her move into the Bridgton Healthcare Assisted Care, she wrote a weekly column for the Bridgton News keeping the town informed of the local news.

Funeral arrangements are managed by Chandler Funeral Home and services will be held in early summer.