Plan for the Future
Lifelong Millburn, NJ, resident Virginia Kane Tompkins, better known to all as “Jinny,” passed away on Feb. 7 at age 93. A visitation will be held on Friday, February 14, 2014 from 6:00-9:00 p.m. at the Bradley Smith & Smith Funeral Home, 415 Morris Ave., Springfield, NJ. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Saturday, February 15, 2014 at 10:00 a.m. in St. Rose of Lima Church, 50 Short Hills Ave., Short Hills, New Jersey 07078. Burial will follow in the Parish Cemetery.
Born and raised in Millburn, she began elementary school at St. Rose of Lima when classes were held in the basement of the Convent and was a member of St. Rose of Lima’s first graduating class in the new school building. She graduated from Millburn High School in 1938 and St. Vincent’s Hospital School of Pediatric Nursing Program in 1940 and began her career as a pediatric nurse. Married on December 6, 1941, World War II inspired her to change her focus from nursing to a more civic-minded career. She joined the Millburn Police Department as a special officer and had the distinction of being the first and only female officer throughout most of her 48-year career. On July 4, 1996, Jinny was honored with the Outstanding Citizen Award and upon her retirement in 1999, she was honored by Township Mayor Elaine Becker with a special proclamation for her years of service to the Millburn-Short Hills community.
Mrs. Tompkins is survived by a son, William Leslie Tompkins, Jr., of Millburn, NJ; a daughter, Virginia O’Connor of Toms River, NJ; three grandchildren and six great-grandchildren. She was predeceased by her husband, William Leslie Tompkins, Sr., and her 10 brothers and sisters. For further information, or to send the family a condolence, please visit, www.www.bradleyfuneralhomes.com.