Virginia "Ginny" Gough, 55

CHESTERTOWN, Md. - Virginia "Ginny" Gough of Chestertown died Saturday, Jan. 13, 2007, in her home. She was 55.

Ms. Gough was born June 25, 1951, in Philadelphia, daughter of the late Harold B. Gough and Adah M. Martin.

She was a 1969 graduate of Upper Darby High School, where she was elected valedictorian of her class. She earned a bachelor of science in mathematics from the University of Waterloo in Canada in 1973 and a master"s degree in computer science and mathematics from the University of New Brunswick, Fredericton.

Ms. Gough met her former husband, Ajit Banerjee, while in college, remaining good friends with him in later years.

After moving to Salt Lake City, she worked as a manager and developer of virtual reality software and reality systems at Evans and Sutherland Computer Corp. During her career, she was asked to travel throughout Europe and other foreign countries to assist clients with the implementation and use of these software programs. She was particularly proud of being one of the first mathematicians to be invited to join the Association of Professional Women.

After retiring, Ms. Gough moved to Betterton, where she became an active long distance swimmer and sailor. Her sailing adventures took her to the Caribbean, Mediterranean Sea and the Atlantic Ocean. She also taught sailing at the U.S. Naval Academy, Annapolis, and loved to ski, row, kayak and bicycle.

She touched many lives with her exuberance for life and made the world more interesting and colorful with her presence. Her kindness and welcoming spirit will be missed by her many friends and family and, of course, by her dog Franklin, well known for his daily walks throughout Chestertown"s historic district.

An avid gardener, Ms. Gough was a member of Chestertown"s Garden Club and also lent her fine soprano voice to the Chester River Chorale and to the choir at Emmanuel Episcopal Church. She was also a member of the Natural Living Exchange, and enjoyed her friends in the Supper Club. She greatly enjoyed these many activities and "being in the moment" with the "Betterton Babes" and many other friends and family.

She is survived by two brothers, Robert and Jean Gough of Albuquerque, N.M., and Ken and Karen Gough of Williamsville, N.Y.; three nephews of whom she was very proud, Steven Gough, Michael Gough and Gary Gough; and loved her grandniece and grandnephew, Katie Gough and Robby Gough.

Services will be 11 a.m. Saturday in Emmanuel Episcopal Church, 101 N. Cross St., Chestertown.

Instead of flowers, the family suggests memorial contributions to the Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation, 5005 LBJ Freeway, Suite 370, Dallas, TX 75244; or one of her civic initiatives, the "Rails to Trails" Fund being established by the Chestertown Town Council, 118 N. Cross Street, Chestertown, MD 21620.

Arrangements by Fellows, Helfenbein and Newman Funeral Home, Chestertown.