Obituary of Virginia "Ginnie" Ost

Virginia "Ginnie" Ost, age 67, of Tanglwood Lakes, Greentown and formerly of Naugatuck & Litchfield, CT, died Tuesday, January 24, 2017 at Thomas Jefferson Hospital in Philadelphia. Mrs. Ost was born August 29, 1949 in Waterbury, CT and was the daughter of the late Nelson and Barbara (Meyer) Thomas. She owned and ran The Country Store in Tafton for 14 years along with her husband Rob. This fueled her passion for people and cooking. She not only ran the front of the store, but she also had a booming catering business that she grew by word of mouth. Ginnie found her calling when she followed her husband and son Rob by becoming an EMT and volunteering with the Tafton ambulance crew for more than 25 years. It was here where her true gift of helping people really thrived. She lit up when she spoke about the work she did with the ambulance and was very proud to be a part of that family. She was also a volunteer for the American Red Cross and a member of the American Legion Auxiliary Post 136 in Pine Island, FL Ginnie was best known for her big smile, positive attitude, and fun-loving nature. She was also a fabulous cook and the best damn beanbag baseball player Pine Island Florida will ever know. Once Ginnie and Rob retired, they purchased a 5th wheeler and officially became snowbirds when they landed in Pine Island, FL. This is where they found a wonderful group of like-minded people that allowed them to be kids again. It also allowed Ginnie to spend time with her older brother and sister, who were each just an hour away. She cherished that time. This past summer, Ginnie went to Haiti on a mission with her church, Pine Island Community Church in Pine Island, FL. Just like everything else in her life, she made new friends and found purpose during this trip. Ginnie was happiest surrounded by her friends both north and south and by her loving family, especially her grandchildren, all of whom she loved dearly. She touched many lives and left a positive footprint on every one of them. She will be deeply missed for her infectious personality, wonderful advice, big hugs and the very best Grammie kisses in the world. She is survived by her husband of 34 years: Robert Stephen Ost, two daughters: Karen Elizabeth & her husband, John Mays of Wilmington, DE and Lisa Brafford of Swanboro, NC, and one son: Robert John & his wife, Kristen Ost of Tafton, PA; five grandchildren; Jack & Ben Mays; Ashleigh Ost; Madisen & Jorden Thompson; one sister: Marcia Hensel of Naples, FL and four brothers: Geoffrey Thomas of Palmetto, FL, Scott Thomas of Naugatuck, CT, Nelson Thomas of Naugatuck, CT and Robert Thomas of Windsor, CT. A gathering of family and friends will be held Friday, January 27th from 10 to 11 am at Teeters' East Chapel, 505 Church St, Hawley, PA, followed by a memorial service at 11 am with Rev. Heidi Gruesser, Pastor of Pine Island Community Church, officiating. Memorials may be made to Tafton Fire & Rescue, Ambulance Fund, PO Box 5, Tafton, PA 18464 or American Cancer Society, Pike Unit, 110 W. Harford St, Milford, PA 18337