Virginia "Ginny" M. Sacchiero's Obituary
It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Virginia “Ginny” M. Sacchiero, age 88, on the morning of October 27, 2022. Ginny was married 58 years to the love of her life, Cipriano “Chip” Sacchiero. Ginny was born and raised in Lawrence, MA where she attended St. Mary’s High School. She was the older of two children of the late Placido and Constance (Spitoleri) Castro. Ginny grew up active, often joining her brother, Joe and his friends in games. She attended nearby Merrimack College where she was one of only two women in her graduating class, and obtained a degree in Biology. Ginny became a Medical Technician at New England Medical Center in Boston. She also filled in as a long term Substitute 3rd grade teacher and fell in love with her students and teaching. It was during this time that Ginny met her loving and steadfast husband, Chip at a party. Chip was originally from Italy and temporarily living with his sister in Methuen when they met. Chip eventually moved to Locarno, Switzerland where he had accepted a full time position. Chip and Ginny stayed in touch by writing letters to each other. Ginny moved to Locarno, Switzerland to be with Chip and with her mastery of the Italian language, obtained a position working in a lab at a premiere hospital in Switzerland. They married and loved living and working in gorgeous Switzerland for two years before relocating to Methuen where they raised three wonderful children, Bob, Marisa and Julie.
After having her first two children, Ginny returned to teaching at the Searles and Donald P. Timony Grammar School. Throughout her 34 year teaching career, she taught virtually every grade from first thru eighth, though she spent the majority of her career teaching eighth grade Science. Ginny was known for her innovative teaching style which incorporated many real world elements she had practiced during her time as a medical technician and working in a laboratory. Outside of work, Ginny focused her time and attention on her family and friends. She was an exceptional, self-taught chef drawing on many cuisines, though Italian was her specialty. The mouth watering cooking aromas from Ginny’s culinary delights could be smelled nearby. Neighbors frequently asked the Sacchieros what Ginny was making for dinner. Enjoying homemade meals with her family and friends, caring for her family and 4 grandsons, and spending time at the ocean were Ginny’s favorite pastimes.
At her core, Ginny was a teacher and guide to all who crossed her path. Years after retiring from teaching, Ginny ran into former students. Time and again these students told Ginny the impact her belief in them had had on their lives. Some shared they had become teachers because of her. Decades after having her for a teacher, many still sought her wise and loving counsel. After Chip passed away, Ginny had to hire contractors for the first time in her life. Each one of them felt Ginny’s caring nature so much that each told her their life story and left with a piece of her sage advice. Ginny deeply believed her purpose was to share whatever wisdom she had learned during her life albeit with a dose of humor.
Ginny is survived by her three children, Robert Sacchiero of Marlboro, MA and her grandsons Marcello and Antonio Sacchiero; Her daughter, Marisa Sacchiero Olson of Acton, MA, her son-in-law, George Olson and her grandsons, Zachary Lawrence and Nicholas Cipriano Olson; Her daughter Julie Ann Sacchiero of Swampscott, MA. Ginny also leaves many loving cousins, nieces and nephews in the local area and all over Italy.
Friends and guests are invited to call on Thursday, November 3, 2022 from 4:00 PM until 6:00 PM at the Kenneth H. Pollard Funeral Home, 233 Lawrence St. Methuen. A Mass of Christian Burial will take place on Friday, November 4, 2022 at 11:00 AM at Our Lady of Good Counsel-St. Theresa’s Parish, 22 Plymouth St. Methuen. In lieu of flowers, donations in Ginny’s memory may be made to The Healey Center for ALS at Massachusetts General Hospital. Please make checks payable to Massachusetts General Hospital and indicate in the check memo: “Healey Center/Dr. Berry in honor of George Olson.” Please mail to: Massachusetts General Hospital Development Office, Attn: Alexandra Van Strien, 125 Nashua Street, Suite 540, Boston, MA 02114. For directions and online guestbook, please visit the funeral home website, www.pollardfuneralhome.com. The Kenneth H. Pollard Funeral Home is honored to serve the Sacchiero Family.
What’s your fondest memory of Virginia "Ginny"?
What’s a lesson you learned from Virginia "Ginny"?
Share a story where Virginia "Ginny"'s kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with Virginia "Ginny" you’ll never forget.
How did Virginia "Ginny" make you smile?