1924 – 2015

AUBURN — Virginia Souza, 90, longtime resident of Greene, died Sunday, May 3.

She was born on June 14, 1924, to Mabel and Herbert (Perry) at 9 Hazel St., Auburn. Virginia attended Edward Little High School in Auburn, graduating at age 17.

At 18, she joined Hyde Windlass Co. in Bath, working there through the war years, making and testing ship propellers, side by side with her sister, Phyllis.

Virginia and Arnold were married in Burbank, Calif., in 1953. They lived several places in Massachusetts, but later settled in Greene, establishing and operating an apple orchard. Virginia contributed extensively to the operation and maintenance of the orchard. She had a quick, dry wit, which she deployed fearlessly throughout her life. She was an accomplished seamstress and homemaker, managing her household and raising her children while also working outside the home to provide part of the family’s income. Virginia retired after working many years at Bates College.

Virginia had an excellent command of the English language, enjoyed classical music and fondly reminisced about her European travels. She was an animal lover and benefactor her entire life.

She is survived by her older sister, Phyllis (Frank) Walch; her two sons, David and Jeffrey (Meg); five grandchildren; and three great-grandchildren.

Her oldest child, Jane (Charles) Dingman, passed away very recently.

Online condolences and sharing of memories may be expressed at www.lynchbrothers.com.