Virginia 'Ginny' Lund, 103, Remembered for Family, Community, and Resilience

The centenarian from New Jersey was known for her warm hugs, wry wit, and lifelong commitment to loved ones.

Published on Feb. 24, 2026

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Virginia 'Ginny' Lund, a longtime resident of Wyckoff, New Jersey, passed away on February 18, 2026, at the age of 103. Born Virginia Ruth Wallgren in Chicago in 1922, Ginny lived a life spanning over a century, marked by family, community, and resilience. She was married twice, raised five children, and volunteered at the local hospital gift shop for 30 years. Ginny also supported her daughter through the loss of a grandchild and was remembered for her warmth, humor, and adaptability.

Why it matters

Ginny Lund's life story illustrates the enduring importance of family and community connections across generations. Her ability to navigate personal loss and sustain engagement in her local community over a remarkably long lifetime suggests qualities of resilience and adaptability that may have contributed to her longevity and well-being.

The details

Born Virginia Ruth Wallgren in Chicago in 1922, Ginny attended North Park College and married her first husband, Paul M. Lund, a US Navy officer, in 1944. They raised five children together until Paul's death from cancer in 1975. Ginny later married family friend James Callaway in 1976, who passed away in 1983. For 30 years, Ginny volunteered at the Valley Hospital gift shop in New Jersey and was a member of the Upper Ridgewood Community Church. She enjoyed social activities like golf and bridge at the Ridgewood Country Club. Ginny also demonstrated a strong commitment to supporting her family, assisting her daughter Christine after the death of Christine's granddaughter Kaja Mauldin from cancer in 2001. Christine was married to Pulitzer Prize-winning political cartoonist Bill Mauldin.

  • Ginny Lund was born on June 20, 1922 in Chicago, Illinois.
  • Ginny married her first husband, Paul M. Lund, a US Navy officer, on August 12, 1944.
  • Paul Lund passed away from cancer in 1975.
  • Ginny married her second husband, James Callaway, in 1976. He passed away in 1983.
  • Ginny's granddaughter Kaja Mauldin, daughter of her daughter Christine, passed away from cancer in 2001.

The players

Virginia 'Ginny' Lund

A longtime resident of Wyckoff, New Jersey who lived to the age of 103, Ginny was known for her warm hugs, wry wit, and lifelong commitment to family and community.

Paul M. Lund

Ginny's first husband, a 2nd Lieutenant in the US Navy, who passed away from cancer in 1975.

James Callaway

Ginny's second husband, a family friend and widower, whom she married in 1976 and who passed away in 1983.

Christine Mauldin

Ginny's daughter, who was married to Pulitzer Prize-winning political cartoonist Bill Mauldin.

Kaja Mauldin

Ginny's granddaughter, the daughter of her daughter Christine, who passed away from cancer in 2001.

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The takeaway

Ginny Lund's life story illustrates the enduring power of family and community connections, as well as the qualities of resilience and adaptability that can contribute to a long and fulfilling life. Her warmth, humor, and unwavering support for loved ones during difficult times serve as an inspiring example of how to navigate life's challenges with grace and purpose.