Long-Time Local Cancer Volunteer Dies at 83

Virginia “Jinny” Miller MacLelland, 83, wife, mother, grandmother and community volunteer, passed away peacefully on April 1, 2013, surrounded by her family. 

Born in Somerton, PA, the youngest daughter of Jane and Jacob Miller, she graduated from Girls’ High and Brown Preparatory School in Philadelphia.  Jinny was the beloved wife of Robert MacLelland Jr. for sixty years.  The couple celebrated their milestone anniversary in January at The Greenbriar Resort in West Virginia.  

Jinny was the devoted and proud mother of Robert Bruce MacLelland (Buffy), Cheryl Ann Swift, Stuart Miller MacLelland (Anne Dawson), and Leslie Jane Beary (John).  She experienced joy spending time with her 11 grandchildren, Ashley Miller MacLelland, Robert Bruce MacLelland Jr., Kyle James MacLelland, Melanie Swift Darnell (Paul), Abigail Jane Swift, Hannah Leigh Swift, Kean Dawson MacLelland, Cerys Logan MacLelland, John Duncan Beary, Maisie Jane Beary and Callie Elizabeth Beary.  She is also survived by her sister, Sarah Jane Little (George), sister-in-law, Helen Pringle (Wallace) and lifelong friends, William Sickle and Marylou Frick.  

An active community member, Jinny served in many positions at the First United Methodist Church in Phoenixville, including Trustee and member of the Methodist Women’s Circle.  Additionally, as a 35 year breast cancer survivor, she was a Reach to Recovery volunteer through the American Cancer Society.  In 2005 Jinny was the recipient of the Susan G. Komen Volunteer Achievement Award.   

Jinny was passionate about time with friends, playing bridge, traveling with Bob, visiting with her children and grandchildren and her Philadelphia Phillies!  She even had the reputation for writing letters to the Phillies’ owners when the season was not going well!   

There will be a Celebration of Life service in honor of Jinny’s life on Saturday, May 11, 2013 at 11:00 am at the First United Methodist Church, Main Street, Phoenixville, PA.  In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the American Cancer Society, Attn: Memorials, 1626 Locust Street, Philadelphia, PA 19103.  Arrangements are being handled by the Campbell-Ennis-Klotzbach Funeral Home, Inc.  Condolences may be offered online at www.PhoenixvilleFuneralHome.com.