Shelburne, MA – Virginia (Howe) “Ginny” Peck, 87, passed away Saturday, May 9, 2026.
She was born in Greenfield on March 12, 1939 the daughter of Orrin and Hazel (Stevens) Howe. She grew up in Gill and graduated from Turners Falls High School and later from Greenfield Community College.
She served as the treasurer for the Town of Shelburne for many years. She later served as treasurer for the Franklin County Technical School, a position she truly enjoyed. She also assisted with the Peck family farm known as Valley View Orchards where she worked in many capacities including as an orchard manager for Jamaican laborers, in the packing house and as bookkeeper/ executive assistant.
She was a long-time member of the First Congregational Church of Shelburne and the Shelburne Grange #68, serving on various committees for both entities.
She was a very loving Wife and Mother and took pride in her family.
At home she enjoyed knitting, reading, gardening and taught sewing for the 4H.
She traveled frequently with her husband Marvin and also with their daughter Deborah’s family. Sadly, Marvin unexpectedly predeceased Ginny on Sept. 5, 2012.
She found happiness again with her second husband, James Merriott and they enjoyed 10 yrs together.
Survivors include her husband James Merriott, daughter Kathleen Pease and her partner Armand Valois of W. Brookfield, MA, daughter Deborah Shelmidine and husband Jim of Norwood, NY, son David Peck and wife Kathleen of New York City, brothers Robert Howe and partner Linda, Richard Howe and wife Jackie. Grandchildren Eric Meissner, Samantha and husband Chris Pimentel, Nicholas Shelmidine, Jason Shelmidine and Le Shelmidine. Great grandchildren Elizabeth, Josephine, Dominik, Caia and Gideon. Also several extended family members as well as her beloved cat Danny.
In addition to her husband Marvin, Ginny was predeceased by a son Charles Marvin and a brother Steven Howe.
A funeral service will be held Saturday, May 16 at 2:00 pm at the First Congregational Church of Shelburne. Burial services will follow in Skinner (East Shelburne) Cemetery with a reception following at the Fellowship Hall.
There are no calling hours.
In lieu of flowers donations can be made to United Leukodystrophy Foundation (https://ulf.org/tribute-giving/) in her name.
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