Virginia Sheppard McCardle

Virginia Frances Sheppard McCardle, aged 84, passed away in her home in Gainesville, VA on October 8, 2023. She was a graduate of Poolesville High School, Class of 1956, and attended the University of Maryland where she found a lifelong love of Terrapins Basketball. She also met her first husband, Bill Scibilia, while she was studying there. Ginny went on to have several careers throughout her life, including book keeping, working alongside Bill as he started his electronics sales company, and working for Prince William Hospital as a drug and alcohol counselor. In her retirement, she volunteered her time at the Smithsonian’s Natural History Museum, played many years of golf and bocce, and was a member of the Heritage Hunt Little Theatre company. Ginny was an avid golfer and traveler, and enjoyed trips to Jamaica with her late husband, Pat McCardle, and traveling the world with her daughters and granddaughters. She especially loved annual family summer vacations to the Outer Banks, NC, where she welcomed all family members, friends, and loved ones to stay every year. Ginny was a voracious reader and book club member, and loved to share what she was reading with her friends and family. She began performing in community theatre in 2013, at the age of 73, because being on stage had been a lifelong dream of hers, and made many close friends there. Her dedication and courage in trying new things was an inspiration to everyone who knew her. More than anything else, Ginny loved her family fiercely and constantly and welcomed everyone into her family with the same level of love and respect. She was a devoted mother and grandmother, and the greatest babysitter anyone could imagine. Her daughters, grand-daughters, and their families all considered her not just a family member, but a best friend. She always had a full social calendar until the end of her life, because she was an incredible friend to have; her humor and wit brought joy to everyone who knew her. She taught all of us that sometimes all you need to turn a day around is a nap, a book, and a really good dessert. Ginny is survived by her three daughters and their spouses, Cindy Padgett (Andy), Linda Scibilia (Kerry Campagna), and Lisa Eichinger (Steve), as well as her four granddaughters, Meagan Major (Nick), Zoe Fuller (Arthur), Jillian Eichinger, and Kiley Eichinger. She is also survived by her three stepchildren, Tammy Beals, John McCardle and his daughter Lyric, and Laurie McCardle and her daughter Leah. She was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Pat, her parents, and her three siblings, Lyn, Gordon, and Martin. A celebration of life will be held at Marsh Mansion at Heritage Hunt Golf and Country Club in Gainesville, VA in November. More details will be forthcoming. In lieu of flowers, Ginny requested that donations be made to Doctors Without Borders.

Virginia Sheppard McCardle

September 30, 1939 - October 8, 2023