Celebrate your loved one’s life in a way that’s as independent as they were – in the Daily State News and BayTobayNews.com. Share fond memories, photos and information on celebrations of life using our easy, step-by-step process.
Virginia (Ginger) Biddle Wingard of Dover, Delaware passed away, Friday, February 20, 2026 at home.
Ginger was born January 7, 1935 in Dover, Delaware to the late Maxwell Harrington Biddle and Ione Margaret McNamire Biddle. In addition to her parents, she is preceded in death by her husband, Donald C. Wingard, Jr.
She grew up in Dover and graduated from DHS in 1953. During her school years, she was a cheerleader and also played field hockey, forming many lasting friendships. After graduation, she married Don Wingard and focused on raising their family as well as working out of the home. She was a field representative for Breyer’s Ice Cream and then worked with her parents to run the family business, Tastee Freeze. When the business was sold, she switched careers to work as a dental assistant – first for Dr. Art Henry in Dover, and after the family moved to Georgetown DE in 1976, with Dr. Ed Hendel in Milford. She pivoted to a career in a non-profit organization, running the Sussex County field office of the American Heart Association for 20 years and retired in 2000. She and Don returned to Dover in 2002, reconnecting with many friends upon their return.
Ginger will be remembered most as a loving mother and grandmother, and a good friend to so many life-long friends, organizing many mini-DHS reunions. Her happiest moments were spent with family- whether on vacation (cruises were her favorite!), at Dewey Beach, or spending time at home together.
She is survived by daughters, Connie Emerson of Sarasota, FL, Donna Wingard (Norman Hahn, Jr.) of Wyoming, DE, Patti Hooker (Dee Hooker) of Anthony, FL; grandchildren, Courtney Emerson (Charlie O’Toole) of Seattle, WA, Jillian Emerson (Bryant Smith) of Midland, MI, Meredith Emerson (Brantley Johnston) of Atlanta, GA, great granddaughters Felicity Smith and Lenora Smith (Midland, MI) and her sweet puppy Liza Buttercup, who brought her endless joy and companionship.
Memorial services will be held 4:00pm, Saturday, March 7th, 2026, at Torbert Funeral Chapel, 1145 E. Lebanon Road, Dover, Delaware. Friends and family may gather one hour prior.
The family would like to express their thanks to Delaware Hospice for their compassion in helping care for Ginger during her last two weeks. In lieu of flowers, please remember Ginger through donations to Delaware Hospice Center, Milford, Delaware.
Letters of condolence may be sent, and guestbook signed at www.torbertfuneral.com
