Virginia (Ginger) Frances (Springer) Wilcox, 79, of Appleton, passed away peacefully at her home on May 7, 2021 surrounded by her family.

She was born February 7 ^th , 1942 to Ruby Frances (Miracle) and George H. Springer in Appleton, Wisconsin.  Ginger was raised with her family on Superior St. where she met her lifelong friend, Barb Hechel.  She attended St. Therese grade school and Appleton West High School.  Ginger described herself as a sassy, yet loving daughter, who may have snuck out with the car when she was 15 for a joy ride.

Ginger married the love of her life, Ted, in 1960 at St. Therese in Appleton. They recently celebrated their 61 ^st wedding anniversary on April 23rd. Together, they raised 6 children Jeffery (Marcia), Paula, Michael (Pam), Susan, David (Nancy), and Stefanie as well as two foster children. Their grandchildren, Scott Wilcox, Samantha Wilcox, Sarah (Adam Breit), Jackson Moran, Catherine Michaletz, David Michaletz, Sydney Wilcox, Regina Miracle Moran, Cole Wilcox, Maxwell Wilcox VanZee, Bennett Wilcox, Cooper VanZee, and Ruby Frances VanZee; Great Grandchildren, Emily, Gavin and Brielle.  As Ginger shared, she and Ted stuck together through thick and thin.   As empty nesters, some of their favorite things to do were to go biking and camping at many Wisconsin State and County Parks.  As a grandmother, she and Ted created many opportunities to spend time with each grandchild whether it was taking them camping, going on excursions, making bread together, or having 'pillow talk'.  They enjoyed attending as many 'grandparents' events as they could, concerts, plays, games, and school ceremonies.  She treasured her connections to her grandchildren.

With the support and incredible partnership of her loving husband, Ginger pursued her goal of becoming a teacher and attended both UW Fox Valley and UW Oshkosh. She interviewed for her first teaching job in the living room of the principal, Mary Kreutzberg.  She taught at St. Mary's Greenville for several years, and then transitioned to St. Joe's Middle School in Appleton.  She retired from teaching at Catholic Central.  Ginger was a treasured teacher for students and parents.  Her approach was full of respect, collaboration, creativity and really meeting kids where they were at.  The friendships she established at each school she nurtured her entire life.  Ted was there through all the years to help execute Ginger's creative ideas in the classroom.

After Ginger's retirement, she continued to educate with the Appleton Area School District's Log Cabin and tutored with the Fox Valley Literacy Council.  Ginger found her experience with the Fox Valley Literacy council was mutually beneficial.  She was able to share her gifts and talents helping adults learn the English language and adapt to the culture.  At the same time, she found the experience so rewarding as she took an interest in her students, learning as much as she could about their Mexican and African cultures. Ginger had a gift in taking normal life experiences and moments and transforming them into learning moments.

Ginger had a generous heart, someone who really managed to maintain and nurture life-long friendships and relationships.  She spent her entire life helping everyone in her life learn new things.

Ginger had been a long time YMCA member where she met many friends.  She had also been a member of the Catholic Order of Foresters and Chaminade Women's Chorus.  In addition to the Fox Valley Literacy Council, she had been a volunteer to many organizations throughout her lifetime including Girl Scouts, 4-H, RSVP, Altrusa, Paper Discovery Center, and often served as a religion teacher at the parishes in which she and Ted belonged.

Ginger is preceded in death by her parents, George and Ruby Springer and her siblings Marilyn Smudde, Paul Springer, and James Springer.

Ginger is survived by her husband, children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren.  She is also survived by her siblings, Ann Mulheron (Bob), John Springer, Joe Springer (Linda); her sisters-in-law Ann Pesavento and Virginia Wilcox; several nieces, nephews, and cousins.

The family would like to thank her providers and entire care team, specifically Dr. Angela Sargeant and RN Brittany, Dr. Daniel Leonard, and Compassus hospice care, especially mom's nurse, Carrie.

Visitation will be held May 22, 2021 at ST. JOSEPH PARISH (404 W. Lawrence St. Appleton) from 9:00 a.m. until time of Mass at 11:00 a.m.  The Rev. James Leary, O.F.M. Cap. will officiate.  Committal St. Mary Cemetery, Black Creek.  In lieu of flowers, a memorial fund has been established.

Happy trails, to you, until we meet again…