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Virginia Jones, a local educator, activist and mother, died peacefully Sept. 16, 2009, at her home in Sonoma. She was almost 80 years old.

Known as Ginny to her friends and family, she was a dedicated and determined advocate for peace, education, the environment and community. Born in San Pedro, Ginny was raised in Southern California and graduated from Beverly Hills High School. She received a bachelor's degree in decorative arts from the University of California, Berkeley in 1951, and a bachelor's degree in environmental studies from Sonoma State University in 1988. As a student at Cal, she experienced her 15 minutes of fame when she appeared on the cover of a 1948 edition of Life Magazine, as part of a photo essay about the University.

After graduating from Berkeley, Ginny obtained her elementary teaching credential. During her career she taught kindergarten in Carmel, Barstow, Downey and Sonoma. Ginny was an early and sustained voice in the green movement. In the 1950s, she founded the Santa Fe Springs Beautification Committee, an organization that changed the physical and cultural landscape of an industrial community in Southern California.

Ginny moved to Sonoma in 1968. In 1975, she co-founded Bear Flag Books, which later became Victorian Court Books.

She volunteered her time as a member of the Sonoma County Trails Committee, the Sonoma League for Historic Preservation, Sonoma Action for Nuclear Disarmament, Sonoma Valley Peace and Justice, Plaza Communitaria Adult Literacy Program and at the Quarryhill Botanical Garden. She fought to prevent the closure of Sonoma Valley Hospital and was instrumental in preserving natural open space at Maxwell Park. She was a reliable presence at peace vigils outside City Hall. Ginny loved to swim. In the early 1980s, she shared her passion with a new generation and opened "Swim Now," teaching many of Sonoma's children of that era how to swim.

After her retirement, Ginny moved to Inverness for two years. She returned to Sonoma, but kept her ties to West Marin, returning each summer to teach swimming in Tomales Bay as a volunteer with the "Water Dogs."

Ginny was a warm, loving person who opened her heart and home to many. She was a great listener and a loyal friend. Her patience and determination were an inspiration to all who knew her.

Masterful at nurturing and maintaining relationships, Ginny was the loving, reasoned presence that held a sprawling family together.

She is survived by her children, Carolyn Ward Baum, Tom Ward and Angela Geiger; their spouses, Bryan Baum and Shannon Ward; and her grandchildren, Charline and Virginia (Jenna) Baum and Ava Mae Ward. She was beloved by Donna and Bob Geiger and by her stepchildren, Debi and Chris Geiger, Ken Geiger, Marilyn and Paul Hueper, Jennifer Geiger, Kim Geiger and Tami Geiger; as well as their children, Max and Nicholas Geiger, Smith Richards and Brooke, Tara, and Ria Hueper.

Ginny was laid to rest on Sept. 24, at Fernwood Cemetery in Mill Valley, one of just seven environmentally-friendly cemeteries in the country. A celebration of her life will be held on Saturday, Oct. 3 at 1 p.m. in Andrews Hall at the Sonoma Community Center.

Memorial contributions in her honor can be made to the Sonoma Land Trust, 966 Sonoma Ave. Santa Rosa, CA 95404 or to Hospice By the Bay, 190 W. Napa St. Sonoma, CA 95476.

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