Ginger Markham

Ginger Markham, born Anna Virginia Markham on July 17, 1940, at the Asbury Hospital in Minneapolis, Minnesota, passed away on October 4th holding the hand of her only child and daughter, Kerry Spolum D’Amato.

Ginger fully embraced life. She lived her way, had an inner gypsy spirit, and infectious energy that left a lasting mark on everyone she met. She traveled extensively, lived in other countries, and went on many adventures Africa, Baja to study whales, Alaska, Europe, Mexico, South America, the Caribbean, and beyond.

She thrived in learning new things, meeting new people, and experiencing new cultures. She was a voracious reader and would often say books were her best friends. She was a fierce advocate for democracy, valued nature and the environment, loved all animals, and couldn’t pass up a good scotch whiskey.

Ginger was very proud of her education. She earned a nursing degree with high honors from the University of Minnesota, where she took legal action to be accepted into the program. She was denied due to her age but won her case, setting a precedent, and was accepted into the nursing program at the ripe old age of 32. She had a 25-year career working on the cardiac ward 6C at the U of M, cared for the first heart-lung transplant, and for both her parents through their passing. Ginger loved her work.

Ginger was a devoted mother and “Mamaw”, a keeper of family history, and the history of “the lake” where she retired to the family home on Gull Lake in the Brainerd Lakes Area. She left a legacy of friendships, love, laughter, chipmunks, and squirrels.

She spent her last joyful year of life at Northern Lakes Assisted Living and deeply valued those who cared for her, the friends she made, happy hours, and puzzling. She loved her time there.

Ginger's time was cut short due to an aggressive cancer diagnosed 9 weeks prior to her passing. She chose to deny treatment, saying she had a lot of fun and lived a good, full life.

She Lived!

Ginger was preceded in death by her parents, Virginia Auer Markham, and Burr, B Markham, her sister, Susan Markham, and her beloved pets, Muggs, Luna, Sissy, Darby, Tootles, and Butchie.

She is survived by her daughter, Kerry Spolum D’Amato; son-in-law, Michael J. D’Amato; grandson, Michael Jon “Bug” D’Amato; and sister, Bonnie B. Markham, along with nieces and nephews.

Ginger is intensely and deeply missed by many, and we are all taking this loss “fifteen minutes at a time”.

Ginger asked that memorial gifts be made to one of her beloved charities: Pet Haven Inc. of MN Wildlife Rehabilitation Center, and the Nature Conservancy.

A celebration of life will be held in summer 2027 on her birthday. For details, please contact: Kerry@FlyingKitty.net