Wyckoff, NJ – Virginia “Ginny” Lund, a dedicated volunteer and cherished member of the Ridgewood Country Club, passed away on February 18, 2026, at the age of 103. Born Virginia Ruth Wallgren on June 20, 1922, in Chicago, Illinois, to Paul T. Wallgren and Ruth Kron, she lived a full and impactful life spanning over a century.
Lund’s life was marked by resilience, community involvement, and a warm spirit that touched the lives of many. She navigated personal loss with grace, finding joy in family, friendships, and a commitment to giving back. Her passing marks the end of an era for those who knew and loved her.
Ginny Lund’s journey began in Chicago, where she attended North Park College, then a junior college. A playful anecdote from her youth recalls a school dance where she jokingly invited “that Paul Lund,” two years her junior, declaring she could never grab him seriously. However, fate intervened, and on August 12, 1944, she married Paul M. Lund, a 2nd Lieutenant in the US Navy. The couple went on to raise five children together.
After World War II, the Linds built a family life that was tragically cut short by Paul’s death from cancer in 1975 at the age of 50. Raising five children and managing a household was no small feat, and those who knew her recall her pragmatic advice to her children: “Don’t be smart,” a sentiment she apparently hadn’t fully considered when choosing a life partner.
Finding Love Again and a Life of Service
In 1976, Ginny found love again, marrying James Callaway, a widower and longtime family friend. This union expanded her family circle, bringing new connections and shared experiences. Sadly, James Callaway passed away in 1983. Following his death, Ginny dedicated much of her time to volunteer work, notably at the Valley Hospital gift shop in New Jersey, where she served for 30 years.
Her commitment to community extended to her involvement with the Upper Ridgewood Community Church, where she was a member until its closure. Beyond her volunteer efforts, Ginny enjoyed an active social life, playing golf and bridge with friends at the Ridgewood Country Club, where she was a long-standing member.
A Supportive Presence Through Family Challenges
Ginny’s loving nature shone through during difficult times for her family. She provided unwavering support to her daughter, Christine, following the death of her granddaughter, Kaja Mauldin, who succumbed to cancer at the age of 23 in 2001. Kaja’s father was the Pulitzer Prize-winning political cartoonist Bill Mauldin, who received the prestigious award twice – once in 1945 for his wartime cartoons featuring the soldiers Willie and Joe, and again in 1959 for his political work. The Pulitzer Prizes website details Mauldin’s achievements.
Remembering Ginny’s Legacy
Ginny is survived by her sister, Gwen Lewis; her children Christine (Neil Trager), Steven (Jennifer), Jeffrey, Randall and David; stepchildren Nancy Fyffe, Tracy Russo and Jim Callaway; grandsons Samuel Mauldin (Mara Birkerts) and Paul Lund (Sara), and great granddaughters Sara Virginia Lund and Stephanie Lund, as well as numerous nieces, and nephews.
A touching moment on her 103rd birthday encapsulates her spirit: after a family rendition of “Happy Birthday,” someone wished her “many more.” Her quick-witted response was a simple, “No!” – a testament to her contentment and acceptance of life’s natural course.
Ginny Lund’s warm hugs, wry wit, and sense of humor will be deeply missed by all who knew her. Her legacy of kindness, service, and family devotion will continue to inspire those whose lives she touched.
As the family mourns her loss, they remember a life well-lived and a woman who embraced each day with grace and a generous heart. Her passing leaves a void in the community and within the hearts of her loved ones.
Please share your memories of Ginny in the comments below.
