MONTPELIER – Ginger Bartlett, age 60, of Montpelier, died at her home on November 20, surrounded by her family.
Born in Brattleboro, on October. 17, 1963, Ginger graduated from Hazen Union High School in 1981 and worked as a stay-at-home mom until joining the Washington County Youth Service Bureau in Montpelier as a secretary in 1990.
Intelligence and integrity were hallmarks of her work, and she quickly advanced to become the bureau’s financial manager and then associate director for finances. During Ginger’s 31 years of service, she was part of a team dedicated to serving youth throughout central Vermont. She managed multi-million-dollar budgets for the bureau and the statewide service coalitions which it led and was proud that during her long tenure, results of the organization’s annual financial audits were always excellent. She represented the bureau at national conferences, and for many years she served the community of central Vermont by coordinating the bureau’s community Thanksgiving dinners, which served over 400 people annually.
Ginger’s family was her joy, and she loved them all with a full and generous heart. She gave them the most precious of gifts: wise advice, hugs at every opportunity, her time and attention, and the absolute certainty of her devotion and support. She was proud of them. Ginger taught her children to find hope when challenges seem insurmountable, to enjoy life despite adversity, and to stay focused on the things that truly matter.
The devastating autoimmune disease that Ginger fought over the years, and that finally claimed her, was no match for her spirit and could not diminish her enthusiasm for life. She loved to laugh, relished good food, rooted vigorously for the Celtics, was the best parallel parker imaginable, loved rides in her red Mustang convertible, enjoyed puzzles and “The Price is Right,” traveled throughout the United States with Scott, and made famous deviled eggs.
Ginger is survived by her mother, Mary Baker; father, Sidney Bartlett; daughters Emily Hall, Lacey Davis (Rudi), and Shaniah Bartlett, and son Curtis Hayden; her partner of 24 years Scott Hayden; grandchildren Kayden Anderson Hall and Rían Davis; sisters Rose Bartlett-Smith and Loretta Baker; brother Maynard Bartlett; and her beloved dog Jack. She is predeceased by her dad Steven Baker and brother Sidney Bartlett.
Ginger Bartlett spoke the truth as she knew it and was a shining example of resilience. She left the world better than she found it.
She made broken look beautiful and strong look invincible. She walked with the universe on her shoulders and made it look like a pair of wings. . . .Ariana Dancu
There was a celebration of Ginger’s life on January 6, from 1 p.m. until 4 p.m. at the American Legion in Montpelier. Contributions in Ginger’s honor can be made to Central Vermont Humane Society, an organization that was incredibly close to her heart.
