Charlotte Graham Gingerelli, 43, of Raphine, Virginia, entered her heavenly home on Sunday, August 30th, 2020. She was the daughter of Bonnie (Troxler) and Jim Beall Graham of Linwood, North Carolina. She was born August 3rd, 1977.
Mrs. Gingerelli’s education included Salem Academy, Washington and Lee University where she double majored in Journalism and Music, and James Madison University where she received her Master’s degree in Music. Mrs. Gingerelli received The Tampa Tribune Editor’s Fellowship, which allowed her to study operas in six European countries while developing a three-page journal for the newspaper. Upon graduation, Mrs. Gingerelli worked with the Santa Fe Opera Company and The Virginia Gazette as Education Editor.
According to fellow Staunton, Virginia educators, “Mrs. G, as some students called her, was the music teacher for A.R. Ware and Bessie Weller elementary schools and Dixon Preschool for 15 years. When Mrs. Gingerelli passed from a tragic car accident, she was on her way to do something she loved: sing in church. She was a stellar teacher who inspired her students with her cheerful heart and gracious spirit that transformed the K-2 music program to a whole new level. Hearing her play her guitar while the children sing is to witness ‘making a joyful noise’ in action. Her love for music and children will have a lasting impact on the music program in Staunton City Schools.”
Along with her husband, Marc Gingerelli, she is survived by her daughters Anna Lucy and Francie Beall; parents Bonnie and Jim Beall Graham; in-laws Anne and Jerry Starace and Betty Gingerelli of Nutley, NJ; sister Emory (Tom) Valley of Ann Arbor, MI; brother Jim (Katie) Graham of Austin, TX.
Memorials may be made to the Shenandoah Arts Council, 530 Amherst St., Winchester, VA 22601 or FPC Memorial Fund, 15 West Third Avenue, Lexington, NC 27292.