Virginia Martin Obituary

Virginia "Ginny" Collins Martin
Virginia "Ginny" Collins Martin, a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, and community member, passed away peacefully on Friday, August 15, 2025, surrounded by her family. She was a resident of Norwalk, Connecticut, and earlier was a longtime resident of Darien before moving to Norwalk.
Ginny was born in Brooklyn to Martha Gottwald and Charles Iltis, MD. She grew up in Glendale, New York and earned her Bachelor of Arts degree from the University of Connecticut. Her life was marked by a deep commitment to service, faith, and family.
She was a longtime volunteer with the Family & Children's Agency of Norwalk, where she served on the Board of Directors for 34 years. She devoted herself to mentoring others through the organization for nearly four decades, leaving behind a profound legacy of compassion, wisdom, and unwavering support for those in need. In 2015, she received the Anne C. Cary Volunteerism Award, in honor of her dedication to FCA. Her quiet strength and deep commitment to uplifting others will continue to inspire all who were fortunate enough to know her. Ginny was also an active member of the Rowayton Garden Club, where she found joy in nurturing both plants and community through years of meaningful involvement.
Her faith was central to her life, and she found deep purpose and community through her longstanding involvement with church, first at St. Paul's in Darien, then at Trinity Church in Greenwich. Ginny was a leader in Stephen Ministries, where she offered compassionate care and guidance to those navigating life's challenges. She also taught Alpha classes, mentored others in their spiritual journeys, and played an active role in the church's outreach and pastoral care programs. Her presence at Trinity Church was deeply valued-marked by steady leadership, thoughtful care, and a genuine commitment to the spiritual growth and well-being of others.
Ginny had a lifelong love for the water. She and her husband, Bob, spent 35 joyful years sailing and racing on Long Island Sound-a shared passion that deeply enriched their lives. For a decade, they embraced the simplicity and rhythm of life at sea, living aboard their sailboat, The Abby, in the Bahamas for three months each year. The boat's name, The Abby, comes from the Hebrew word meaning "gift from God."
She is lovingly remembered by her husband, Robert Martin; her son, Stirling Collins, and daughter-in-law, Lisa Collins; her daughter, Hillary Collins Mooers, and son-in-law, Bruce Mooers; her sister, Carolee Iltis; and her grandchildren: Callie and Greyson Collins, and McKenna and Finnian McGonigle, children of Hillary. Ginny had a stepbrother, Arthur Brown; who is survived by his wife, Charlye Brown; and three daughters, Dana Hudson, Stacey Findlay and Laura Van Grouw.
Ginny will be remembered for her quiet strength, sense of humor, generosity, and the meaningful ways she contributed to the lives of others-through her faith, her friendships, and her unwavering commitment to caring for those around her.
A memorial service will be held in Ginny's honor at Noroton Presbyterian Church at 2011 Post Road in Darien at 10:30 a.m. on Monday, September 8th with a reception to follow. All who knew Ginny and want to celebrate her life and legacy are welcome.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in her memory to the Family & Children's Agency of Norwalk, reflecting her dedication to supporting families and children.