Virginia "Ginnie" Thomson's Obituary
Virginia "Ginnie" Thomson (née Van Tiem)
June 14, 1975 – July 18, 2026
With profound sadness, we announce the passing of Virginia "Ginnie" Thomson (née Van Tiem), who passed away peacefully at her home in Allenton, Michigan, surrounded by the love of her family.
Born in St. Clair, Michigan, Ginnie was the beloved daughter of Lawrence T. Van Tiem and Gail A. Garza (née Harris).
Ginnie was the devoted wife of Adam Thomson and the loving mother of Noah Schmelzer. Nothing brought her greater joy than spending time with Adam and Noah, who were the greatest blessings of her life.
Ginnie was preceded in death by her mother, Gail A. Garza (née Harris); her grandparents, Lawrence and Helen (Achatz) Van Tiem and Virginia and Insell Harris; her father-in-law, Roger Thomson; her aunt, Barbara Van Tiem; her uncle, Dennis Harris; her aunts, Loretta Gorr and Janet Knowlton; and her uncle, Dennis Delor.
She is lovingly survived by her husband, Adam Thomson; her son, Noah Schmelzer; her father, Lawrence T. (Penny) Van Tiem; her stepfather, Danny Garza; her mother-in-law, Kathy Thomson; her brother-in-law, Aaron (Giannine) Thomson; her sister, Sherri (Dennis) Dunn, and their children, Cadence, Dennis, and Dean; her brother, Lawrence (Jennifer) Van Tiem, and their children, MaKailey, Landon, and Coy; her aunts and uncles, Helen (Tom) Kolafa, Mike (Diane) Van Tiem, John (Terri) Van Tiem, Mark (Karen) Van Tiem, Ray (Sharon) Van Tiem, Blane (Mary) Van Tiem, Karen (John) Plizga, Ann Marie (Eric) Singer, Tony Harris, Bill (Bonnie) Harris, Jenny Delor, and Chris (Jim) O'Connor; more than 50 first cousins, over 75 second cousins; and countless extended family members, cherished friends, colleagues, former students, and all who were blessed to know and love her.
A respected science teacher at Capac Public Schools, Ginnie inspired generations of students with her passion for science, curiosity, patience, and unwavering belief in their potential. To many, she was more than a teacher—she was a mentor, encourager, and friend whose kindness left a lasting impression.
Ginnie's love of learning extended beyond the classroom. She pursued her passion for animals by studying veterinary medicine at Michigan State University and fulfilled a lifelong dream by studying abroad in Ireland, a place that always held a special place in her heart. She had an incredible love for animals, especially her beloved horses, and treasured every moment with her four faithful companions at home—her dachshunds, Miller and Arlo, and her cats, Temu ("TT") and Toothless. Whether caring for an animal in need or simply enjoying their company, Ginnie's compassionate heart was always evident.
No matter if she was in her classroom, with family, at church, or meeting someone for the first time, Ginnie had an extraordinary gift for making people feel accepted, seen, and welcome. She loved without judgment, encouraged without hesitation, and never passed up an opportunity for a good laugh. Her quick wit, contagious smile, and joyful spirit made every room a little brighter and left everyone she met feeling just a little better than before.
Ginnie's favorite color wasn't just a color—it was the rainbow. She believed life was meant to be lived in full color and found joy in horses, all animals, unicorns, all things Irish, and cheering on Michigan State. She loved the beauty of nature, especially rainbows, which reflected her colorful spirit and joyful outlook on life.
Ginnie loved Jesus and found strength, hope, and peace in her faith. She received her First Holy Communion as a child and the Sacrament of Confirmation as an adult in the Catholic Church. She was also a faithful member of Trinity Lutheran Church in Richmond.
While we will miss Ginnie until we meet again, Heaven is surely shining a little brighter with her there.
Jesus said to her, "I am the resurrection and the life. The one who believes in me will live, even though they die; and whoever lives by believing in me will never die." John 11:25–26
Rest in the arms of Jesus, Ginnie, until we meet again. ❤️
A memorial service will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, August 1 at Young Funeral Home, China Twp. Visiting hours will be Thursday, July 30 from 4:00 to 8:00 p.m. and Friday, July 31 from 2:00 to 8:00 p.m. and one hour prior to the service.
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