Virginia “Ginny” “Figa” Cecilio Gonsalves, died Wednesday, Nov. 4, 2026 at age 96. She was predeceased by her beloved daughter, Paula, and her husband, Frank “Chuck” Gonsalves.
Born and raised in Tisbury, Virginia was the second youngest of nine children. She graduated from Tisbury School as the valedictorian of her class, with strong aspirations of continuing her education. As a woman of color facing the limited opportunities and barriers of her time, Virginia was ultimately forced to put her educational dreams aside and began working alongside her mother, providing laundry and housekeeping services to local families. She would later take over her mother’s laundry business when her mother became ill.
Shortly after high school, Virginia married the love of her life, Chuck. Together, they moved across the street from her childhood home, where they began building a family of their own. Summer street would remain a special place, home to many of Virginia’s siblings and countless nieces and nephews. It was at 46 Summer street, however, that Virginia and Chuck would raise their four children, Paula, Wayne, Brian, and Glenn. Virginia was a devoted wife and mother.
It wasn’t until her forties that Virginia stepped away from her role as a full-time homemaker and began a new chapter of her working life at Martha’s Vineyard Co-Op Bank. After both Virginia and Chuck retired, the two enjoyed traveling together, exploring numerous countries throughout Europe and creating many memories traveling across the United States.
In her later years, it was the simpler moments that brought Virginia the greatest happiness. Visits with family and friends and time spent together on the porch became some of her most cherished moments. In the last few months of her life she found joy in long drives all around the Island, making a pitstop for a fish sandwich and ice cream cone.
Virginia’s life was one of perseverance, sacrifice, devotion, and love. She leaves behind a legacy that extends far beyond the walls of her home. Her smile will be remembered fondly by those who were fortunate to know Virginia and will live on for generations to come.
Virginia is survived by her son Wayne Gonsalves; granddaughter Mia Wright and husband Jasen Wright, great-grandsons Brayden and Kellen Wright; granddaughter Gina Gonsalves and great-granddaughter Eliza James; granddaughter Elana Gonsalves; son Brian Gonsalves and wife Terry Gonsalves; grandson Frank “Drew” Gonsalves and granddaughter Kayla Gonsalves; son Glenn Gonsalves and wife Cynthia Gonsalves; grandson Maxwell; granddaughter Camryn Gonsalves.
Virginia is predeceased by her husband Frank “Chuck” Gonsalves, daughter Paula Small and daughter in law Linda Gonsalves.
Visitation in the Chapman Funeral Home, Edgartown Road in Oak Bluffs will be held on Thursday, Nov. 12 from 5-7 p.m.
Her funeral mass will be celebrated in St. Augustine’s Church on Friday, Nov. 13 at 11 a.m. and burial will follow in the Oak Grove Cemetery in Vineyard Haven.