Virginia R. “Ginger” Cavender, 83, of Glen Burnie, Maryland, passed away peacefully at home on September 18, 2026, under hospice care, surrounded by her loving family.

Born in Baltimore, Maryland, on September 26, 1942, she was the daughter of Henry and Nettie (Hamilton) Wingate. Ginger graduated from Jane Adams Vocational School in Baltimore in 1959. She moved to Glen Burnie in June of 1962, where she remained a beloved resident for over 63 years. She was a dedicated worker, serving the Anne Arundel County Public Schools as a cafeteria worker for over 30 years and touching the lives of countless students and staff.

Ginger lived a full and vibrant life defined by simple joys and deep devotion to those around her. She was an avid fan of game shows, never missing an episode of Wheel of Fortune or Jeopardy!, and she frequently enjoyed unwinding with Hallmark movies. She found great peace and accomplishment in her garden, where she took pride in nurturing her azaleas, roses, Asiatic lilies, marigolds, and her beloved pansies. Her sharp mind was often occupied with word puzzles, which she completed with great frequency. A talented baker, Ginger was famous for her Christmas cookies—a tradition famously marked by her unintentional "flour showers," which became a cherished family memory. She was also an excellent cook known for her signature spaghetti sauce. Above all else, Ginger’s greatest joy was the love and affection she poured into her "grands and greats." She was the heart of a very close family, and her warmth and presence will be deeply missed by all who knew her.

Ginger is preceded in death by her parents, Henry and Nettie (Hamilton) Wingate; and her husband of 33 years, George W. Cavender. She is survived by her children, Barbara J. Davis of Glen Burnie, Martin E. Cavender of Glen Burnie, Patricia L. Cavender of Glen Burnie, David L. Cavender (Diane) of Glen Burnie, Terry A. Whitney (John) of Pasadena, and Joyce S. Forney (John) of Glen Burnie; her sister, Thelma Carper of York, Pa; 6 grandchildren, Christopher, Johnny, Colin, Katie, Scott & Alyssa and 5 great-grandchildren, Carson, Carly, Chase, Hunter & Jaxon.

Family and friends may visit at the KIRKLEY RUDDICK FUNERAL HOME on Wednesday, 2-4pm and 6-8pm. Funeral service Thursday, 11:30am, at the funeral home. Interment Loudon Park Cemetery.