Obituary of Evelyn Virginia Oriola
Evelyn Virginia “Ginny” Oriola (Hoekman), 84, of Danielson, CT, beloved wife of Ralph Oriola, passed away peacefully on September 23, 2024, at her home, surrounded by her family. Born on August 25, 1940, in Cleveland, Ohio, she was the daughter of the late Evelyn Davis and Henry Hoekman. In addition to her husband of 57 years, Ginny is survived by her son Chris Oriola and his wife Nelia of West Hartford, CT; her daughter Karin Schmidt and her husband Bob of Jefferson, GA; and her daughter Susan Oriola of Jewett City, CT. She also leaves behind her cherished grandchildren, Kayla, Matthew, Ryan, and Michael as well as her brother Roland Hoekman and his wife Barbara of New Bern, NC. Ginny shared countless treasured memories with her extended family and friends.
Ginny attended Lutheran schools in Cleveland for twelve years, where she cultivated a passion for theater and piano. She earned her undergraduate degree at Eastern Nazarene College in Wollaston, MA, followed by a Master’s in Education from Bridgewater State College and a second Master’s in Counseling Psychology from Anna Maria College.
With a long and fulfilling career in education, Ginny served as an elementary school teacher, nursery school teacher, and dedicated 19 years as a middle school counselor at Killingly Intermediate School. She cherished her volunteer work with NAMI Connecticut, and her warm spirit and caring nature left a lasting impression on everyone she encountered.
An avid traveler, Ginny explored numerous destinations across the country and abroad, but she particularly loved spending summers in Falmouth, Cape Cod, enjoying precious time with family and friends at Old Silver Beach. Her love of music and theater was a central theme throughout her life; playing the piano brought her immense joy and enriched the lives of those around her. Her steadfast Lutheran faith was a source of strength throughout her life, guiding her through every step of her journey. She particularly enjoyed directing the junior choir at St. John’s Lutheran Church. Her trust in God’s grace and love provided her with comfort.
Ginny will forever remain in our hearts. We are deeply grateful for the incredible person she was and for the love and laughter she brought into our lives.
In lieu of flowers please send donations to Dana Farber Cancer Research Pan Mass Challenge: 77 4th Avenue, Needham, MA 02494 and/or NAMI (National Alliance on Mental Illness) Windham County 1221 Route 169, Woodstock, CT 06281
Funeral will be Saturday, September 28, 2024 at 11 AM at the Zion Lutheran Church, 70 Main Street, Oxford, MA, followed by burial in South Cemetery, Pomfret, CT. Calling hours will be Friday, September 27, 2024 from 6 to 8 PM at Gagnon and Costello funeral home 33 Reynolds St. Danielson, CT, share a memory at Gagnonandcostellofh.com