Virginia Cahill-Lyman Obituary

Such sad news from Chicago…

I met Ginny in Fribourg—we travelled together in Europe and later were housemates in Washington, DC. It feels like yesterday.

I’m grateful for Ginny's friendship. She was a tornado of enthusiasm and generosity. I can’t imagine her spirit could ever be stilled. And that laugh—none of us will forget that laugh and the joy it brought.

My condolences to her family. Ginny never stopped talking about you—you were everything to her.

We were so fortunate to have Ginny as our friend during our year abroad in Fribourg and the years thereafter. Anyone who knew Ginny can attest to the fact that she had a joy for life like no other. We will miss you deeply Ginny! Our sincere condolences to the Cahill and Lyman families.

“I wonder whether the stars are set alight in heaven so that one day each one of us may find his own again…” Antoine de Saint Exupéry

I'm so saddened by the news of Ginny's passing. I also knew Ginny in Fribourg and was lucky enough to see her at the last reunion. Ginny was lovely and vivacious. My sincere condolences to her family.

Ginny had a special gift to always find the best in each one of us and to celebrate life through her family and friends. She was a special member of our class at Rosary and clearly from these notes, when we all stayed in River Forest, she made some very special friends in Fribourg. I think we know that there is one more Angel in heaven today, and she is bringing her great smile and wonderful sense of humor along to brighten everyone's day.

Ginny was a good friend to me when we were in Europe together. Though the years passed by so quickly, we always were in each other's minds. Seeing her at the Fribourg reunion in 2006 emphasized that neither time nor distance could dampen a friendship. God bless you Ginny, be in peace. My prayers to the family.

I was so sorry and shocked to hear of your loss. Despite the many years that have passed since our childhood days in Elmhurst, I still have fond and pleasant memories of Ginny and the entire Cahill family. I hope your own memories of happier times will comfort you in your grief.

Beth and family, my thoughts and prayers are with you.

Sincerely,

I just returned from Ginny's wake and I am still in shock that she is gone. Her spirit was so huge, and her love of friends and family so deep and all encompassing, that it is hard to imagine life without her. I went to both high school at York and college at Rosary with her and it seems like she has always been a part of my life even though we didn't get to see each other much. Sometimes she would just call out of the blue to say Hi and the call would brighten my day. My love goes out to Greg and each of the kids (I am so glad I got to hug you all today). And a special thank you to Beth for taking the time to talk to me today. I will miss Ginny terribly and know that she will now watch over us all.

We also met Ginny in Fribourg during our junior year abroad, and we also last saw her at our 30th reunion. The fact that we stayed in touch with one another over all these years shows how special that year was. Ginny's laughter and her smile were unforgettable parts of that year. She was always tolerant and never judgmental.

We were deeply saddened to hear of her passing and we also hope that her children know how much she loved them.

Craig and Mary Waring

I would like to give my heartfelt condolences to Ginny's husband, Greg, and her kids, Jeff, Steve and Callie. I know they will miss her. I have know Gin for over thirty years, having gone to college with her. She was a young, free-spirited woman who loved her family and was proud of all the things they accomplished. I will miss her loving sweetness...

Ginny and I have been friends since meeting at Rosary Villa des Fougeres in Fribourg. She was a joy to know. She was remarkably caring and constant for those near her. My heart goes out to her family. I miss her.

My heartfelt condolences to Ginny's family - you meant everything to her. I lived with Ginny in Europe and in Washington DC. She taught me some wonderful lessons on how to live life to the fullest. She was a true force of nature and will be missed deeply.

I too, first met Ginny in Fribourg. She was a free and loving spirit with her eye on fun and adventure. Happily, she was able to attend our 30th Reunion to share in reminiscing with us in the fond memories of our youth as we traveled about Europe, learning about other cultures and ourselves. Our presence together on that wonderful weekend enabled us all to remember and appreciate how lucky we were to have kindled such friendships that had remained untarnished by time. My last memory of Ginny was listening to her talk about her children, it was so obvious ... how dearly and completely she loved them all. I have never met Ginny's children, but I would want them to know ... how very much your mother loved you all.

We remember Ginny from the pool parties at Ed's old house. Her and Paula talked often sharing kid stories, being we had children of similiar ages.
Our thoughts and prayers go out to the whole family and the children. Ed know we are with you during this very difficult time.
The Kurland Family

I send my deepest condolences to Ed (whom I know), Virginia's husband and children and the entire Cahill family at the loss of a dear family member. While at the Illlinois Arts Council, I worked with Ed on a great number of printing jobs. Although I did not know Virginia, if Ed is representative of the quality of the Cahill family members, then I would believe her loss will be sorely felt. Peace to you all. Sandra Kinder

Ginny had remarkable joie de vivre during our college year in Fribourg, Switzerland and her enthusiasm during this time was infectious. She will be greatly missed.

Toujours avec amite'

I first met Ginny at college in Fribourg, Switzerland 32 years ago and we remained friends. Ginny brought joy and celebration everywhere she went and it was always a great time when she'd come visit college friends in NJ/PA every few years. I will miss her greatly and will continue to pray for her beautiful family.

I went to Fribourg with Ginny 32 years ago and we remained friends. She always loved her trips to NJ and Philadelphia and we loved seeing her. My prayers are with Ginny's three children, the loves of her life.

I went to York High School with Ginny and we were great friends. I lost touch with her a few years after she graduated from Rosary College and was in shock when I heard she had passed. Ginny was a treasure and I hold some very happy and fun memories of our time together. My deepest sympathy to her family. She was a unique and very special person.

Offering our deepest condolences during this difficult time.