Maine news, sports, weather from Portland Press Herald / Maine Sunday Telegram, Portland, Maine

August 1, 2012

Feature obituary: Virginia Jordan, 86, fulfilled purpose of making others happy

By Melanie Creamer mcreamer@mainetoday.com
Staff Writer

CAPE ELIZABETH - Virginia Jordan led a simple life -- a life hallmarked by her love and devotion to her family and her compassion for others.

Mrs. Jordan, who died on Sunday at age 86, was a dedicated nurse for more than 30 years and a steady volunteer at local organizations, including the Cape Elizabeth Home.

She lived on Two Lights Road for nearly 60 years, where she and her husband, Raymond Jordan raised their five children.

Her daughter Sandra Jordan of Scarborough remembered her Tuesday as a loving and affectionate woman, whose "purpose in life was to make others happy."

It seems that she fulfilled that purpose tenfold. Her daughter rattled off countless examples of how she affected many people.

Jordan noted that her mother gave a great hug -- the kind that lets people know they are loved.

Mrs. Jordan also showed her love through cookies, which she gave generously to family and friends. She often left cookies in her mailbox. She also made them for the tellers at her bank and for workers at the town's transfer station.

Most importantly, Jordan said her mother made time to connect with family and friends.

"My mom she was so loving and affectionate," her daughter said. "She brought out the best in people."

Mrs. Jordan was a natural caretaker. In her early years, she put her nursing career on hold to raise her children. When they were school-aged, she returned to school to become a licensed practical nurse.

She worked at New England Rehabilitation of Portland, the Jewish Home for the Aged, and later Maine Medical Center in Portland.

During her years at Maine Med, a doctor took her aside and recruited her for his private practice, which later became Intermed.

"She was really proud to have been selected to work for this physician's firm," said her daughter Sally Jordan of Kennebunkport. "She took that job very seriously. She loved the patients, and the patients loved her."

Mrs. Jordan retired from nursing in her 70s. Then, she immersed herself in the community, volunteering at the United Methodist Church and a Portland soup kitchen.

Mrs. Jordan was a bright spot in the day for elderly residents at the Cape Elizabeth Home, where she volunteered for about 15 years. At the time of her death, she was a member of its board of directors.

Millie Giesecke, administrator of the home, said she led an exercise program on Wednesdays. She often brought cookies there and always made time to socialize with the residents, she said.

"Ginny was like the sun (shining) into this place," Giesecke said. "She was a fabulous person. Everyone loved her. She brought extra love and happiness when she came in."

Scott Berry, a friend and president of the board of directors, said she always had a positive attitude.

"She made you feel good just to know her," Berry said. "She was an extraordinary lady and she will be missed."

Mrs. Jordan stayed active throughout her life. She enjoyed spending time with her grandchildren and often attended her great-grandchildren's basketball, baseball and softball games.

For many years, she walked regularly on Crescent Beach with her son's dog and a pocketful of dog biscuits. Up until last fall, she participated in two bowling leagues. One of the teams she played for was called the Cape Clippers, who bowl at the Big 20 Bowling Center in Scarborough.

"She's had a beautiful long life," her daughter Sally Jordan said.

Staff Writer Melanie Creamer can be contacted at 791-6361 or at:

mcreamer@pressherald.com

 

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