Virginia Kooken

Westernport, MD

Virginia Lee (Gin Lee) Kooken, died on Friday afternoon, June 7, 2013, at the Egle Nursing and Rehab Center, Lonaconing, Maryland.

Gin Lee was born on August 1, 1917, at Keyser, West Virginia.  She was the daughter of the late Lee Olin and Aleene (Chrisman) Kesner.  She graduated from Keyser High School in 1935.  In 1937, she married V. Browne Kooken of Westernport.  They moved there in 1939. Browne died on April 26, 1989.  Gin Lee continued to make her home in Westernport until she moved to Egle Nursing Home in 2009.

In addition to her parents and husband, Gin Lee was predeceased by her twin brother, Richard Caudy Kesner who died shortly after childbirth.

Gin Lee is survived by her sister, Genevieve Richardson, Fort Lauderdale, Florida; her five children, Browne Lee Kooken and wife, Brenda, of Upper Marlboro, Maryland; Bonnie Camenisch and husband, Paul of Wilmette, Illinois; Tom Kooken and wife, Jean, of North Andover, Massachusetts; Anita Lupton and husband, Bob, of Westernport, Maryland and Dick Kooken and Cher Walters of St. Petersburg, Florida.  She also leaves 11 grandchildren: Brent Kooken, Brian Kooken, Brooke Silard; Chris Camenisch, Dr. Dave Camenisch, Susan Lueras; Peter Kooken, Jeffrey Kooken; Beth Winner; John P. “Pete” Kooken and Alden Kooken; 17 great-grandchildren, Sarah Kooken; Zack Camenisch; Sabina and Nate Lueras;  Thomas, Anna and John Kooken; Katie and Matt Kooken; Kaylin Tinsley; Shae and Mollie Winner; Maggie Kooken and Caitlin Riopel; Vinny, Corinne and Joey Kooken; and one great-great granddaughter, Olivia Alkire, whom she lovingly held as recently as Sunday, June 2, 2013.

Gin Lee was a life-long Presbyterian.  On Easter Sunday, she worshipped at her home congregation, Piedmont Presbyterian Church and was honored as its oldest member.

The family will receive visitors at Boal Funeral Home, Westernport, Maryland, on Monday, June 10, 2013, from 4:00 to 8:00 P.M.

Pastor Tom Forbes will lead the Celebration of Life there on Tuesday, June 11, 2013 at 1:00 P.M.

Interment will be at Philos Cemetery.

Gin Lee savored her status as matriarch.  She was the centerpiece of all family functions.  She brought music into the lives of all and loved to head the “Kokey” Pokey” with family and friends.  She will be certainly missed by all.

The family would like to thank, for all of their love and support, the staff at Egle Nursing Home; Dr. Harjit Sidhu; Pastor Forbes, and the members of Piedmont Presbyterian Church; Grace United Methodist Church of Midland, Maryland; and particularly Mary Stakem, Gin Lee’s loving roommate.

In lieu of flowers contributions may be made to Piedmont Presbyterian Church or Egle Nursing and Rehab Center.

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