Virginia “Ginny” Short, 82, died peacefully at her home in Oak Park on Feb. 7, 2025. Born on Nov. 22, 1942, in Chicago to Elmer and Roseann Biede, she grew up in Chicago and graduated from Austin High School, then continued her education at Wright Junior College, where she was a proud member of the Alpha Beta Mu sorority.
She met her husband, James Short, in Oak Park, and they married on Sept. 29, 1962. Together, they enjoyed 62 wonderful years of marriage and raised four sons: James (Christine) Short Jr., Stephen (Susan) Short, Richard (Andrea) Short, and Kenneth (Eileen) Short.
She worked at Oak Park and River Forest High School from 1982 to 2004, primarily as the Girls Physical Education secretary. She was a familiar face at most home athletic events, always cheering on the Huskies with enthusiasm. A passionate fan of the Chicago Cubs and Bears, she rarely missed a game.
Her warmth, dedication, and love for her family and community will be deeply missed.
Ginny was the grandmother of Kelly (Jon) So, Jamie (Matthew) Epland, Spencer (Chelsie) Smith, Marisa Short, Carson Short, and Elena Short and the great-grandmother of Audrey, Natalie, and Lennon.
Join us in a Celebration of Life on Saturday, March 1, from 10 a.m. to noon at Salerno’s Galewood Chapel, 1857 N. Harlem Ave., Chicago, IL 60707. All are welcome to attend and share in this special moment with the family.
In lieu of flowers, donations to the American Diabetes Association would be greatly appreciated.