Virginia “Ginny” Battistella

11/27/1946 – 3/29/2026

It is with profound sorrow that the family announces the passing of Virginia “Ginny” Battistella a woman whose sharp wit, fierce heart, and absolutely zero tolerance for nonsense made her one of the most unforgettable people any of them ever had the privilege of knowing.

Ginny devoted her life to the care of others, spending her cherished career as a Licensed Practical Nurse at the Vineland Developmental Center, where she served with extraordinary skill and dedication for many years. Her colleagues became lifelong companions, gathering for monthly luncheons and card games well into her retirement — her tablemates always knowing exactly where they stood.

In her younger years, Ginny was a spirited member of the Vineland Ski Club with her best friend Karen Byrne, hitting the slopes with characteristic fearlessness. She moved through life the same way — headfirst, eyes open, and ready with a wisecrack.

Beneath that feisty exterior beat one of the most fiercely loving hearts imaginable, nowhere more evident than in her devotion to animals. She had a special tenderness for cats, who were her constant companions throughout her life, and a beloved bird who waited for her to come home every single day.

It was in family, though, that Ginny’s love ran deepest. When her nephew Mike faced osteosarcoma in middle school, Ginny put her medical expertise to work caring for him at home and alongside the skilled teams at Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia. That closeness endured as one of the most sacred threads of her life until Michael’s untimely passing two years ago. The family finds deep comfort in knowing Aunt Ginny and her beloved Mike are now reunited.

Her niece Jamie carried forward her aunt’s legacy, following her into nursing — a fact that filled Ginny with immeasurable pride. That devotion was returned in full when Jamie stood faithfully by her side during Ginny’s extended illness, ensuring she could return home and receive the compassionate hospice care that allowed her to spend her final weeks where she belonged.

Ginny is preceded in death by her sister, the late Hazel Kostok, her beloved nephew William Michael Kostok Jr “Mike”, and her parents Mary Battistella and Henry R Battistella. She is survived by her brother Richard Battistella, niece Jamie Kostok, and many other nieces and nephews.

Inurnment will be private. The family appreciates your support and prayers.

In lieu of flowers, the family welcomes memorial donations in Ginny’s honor to Associated Humane Societies South, in support of the animals she loved so dearly. Donations may be made at: https://ahscares.org and American Cancer Society American Cancer Society/donate.html">https://American Cancer Society/donate.html

Arrangements are by the Wainwright-Bernhardt Funeral Home, Vineland.