Virginia "Gini" Ann (Reeser) Kessler

After eight-two years of perpetual motion, Virginia “Gini” Ann (Reeser) Kessler passed away peacefully in the early hours of March 30, 2024. Death with dignity was the final task on her to-do list and she made her departure from life with strength, grace and courage. She was strong-willed to the end, and despite her debilitating struggles with lung disease, she served as President of Nottingham Village Nursing Center until her passing.

Gini was born in Portland, Oregon on December 25, 1941, the only daughter of Edward and Gay (Peterson) Reeser. Her parents worked for the American Hotel Corporation and they managed the Mallory Hotel in Portland until her father was called up for World War II. During the War, Gini and her family moved to many locations in the Western United States, and when Gini was three, they moved overseas to Cartagena, Columbia, where her father opened and managed the Hotel Del Caribe. In 1946, Gini’s father took a position with American Home Foods in Milton, Pennsylvania and Gini made Pennsylvania her permanent home.

Gini graduated from Milton High School in 1959, where she was voted “Best Dressed Girl”. She was also the only female snare drummer in the high school marching band and loved leading the Milton Black Panthers to victory in double time!

Gini graduated from Bucknell University in 1963 with a degree in Business Management. During her time at Bucknell she met the love of her life, Frederick “Fred” Kessler. They were married in 1963 and lived in Carlisle, Pennsylvania as well as the West Village of New York City before settling permanently in Lewisburg, Pennsylvania in 1966.  They celebrated 55 years of marriage prior to Fred’s untimely passing in 2018.

Gini and Fred enjoyed summers on Lake Winnipesaukee, New Hampshire and in their later years, looked forward to their winter escapes to Vero Beach, Florida for fun in the sun. Gini’s favorite mode of transportation was flying with Fred, and his plane was their “magic time machine” transporting them door to door with ease.

Gini treasured living in downtown Lewisburg and took her community responsibilities seriously. She served as chair of the Lewisburg Shade Tree Commission for over 20 years, and worked determinedly to preserve and protect Lewisburg street trees. She was a member of the Lewisburg Garden Club and also served as a volunteer and board member for the Packwood House Museum as well as a Trustee of the Edith Featherston Foundation from the 1970’s until 2022. Gini was a life member of the American Association of University Women and was always a proud supporter of women’s rights. Gini was also an antiques enthusiast with a penchant for Pennsylvania German decorative arts as well as Chinese export porcelain.

Gini was an active golfer and member of the Bucknell Ladies Golf Association for decades and at her death was a golf member of the Bucknell Golf Club, Susquehanna Valley Golf Club, Bald Peak Colony Club and Bent Pine Golf Club.

Gini entered the workforce in 1981 and served as Comptroller of Nottingham Village Nursing Center from 1981 until 2018. She was a licensed Professional Nursing Home Administrator and served as President of Nottingham Village from 2018-2024.

Gini is survived by her daughter, Amanda G. Kessler, who is married to Andrew R.S. Misener, and one grandson, Andrew Frederick Misener, all of Lewisburg, Pennsylvania. She is also survived by three nieces, their families, and countless friends who were very dear to her heart.

We say goodbye to our mother, grandmother and friend with the words of Richard Greene: “Play jolly music at my funeral…. Dixieland would be nice…. Those early jazzmen knew what they were up to when they set about making funeral marches swing. So, swing me away, please, with a rousing tune.”

Gini always said that she didn’t want a funeral, but that she did want a party! There will be no formal memorial service, but all are invited to a Celebration of Life Gathering to be held Saturday, April 27, 2024, from 1:30 to 4:30 p.m., at the Susquehanna Valley Country Club, Hummels Wharf, Pennsylvania, where jolly Dixieland music will be played! Should friends desire, please do an act of kindness for a friend or lend a helping hand to your local community. Gini would approve! 

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