Virginia G. Berwick (nee Glaser), of Gladwyne, Pennsylvania, passed away peacefully on December 10, 2024, surrounded by her loving family and many friends who visited and spoke with her in her final days. She was 85.
Born in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, on October 16, 1939, Virginia “Ginnie” was the beloved daughter of the late Henry J. Glaser and Virginia Uleau Glaser. She was raised in Margate, New Jersey and graduated from Atlantic City High School. She was a graduate of Bucknell University and held a Bachelor of Science Degree in Biology. Ginnie dedicated her early professional life to scientific research at Wistar Laboratories where she worked on the development of polio vaccines. In 1980, she joined her family’s business, leading Dairy Maid Confectionery Company with her brother Henry Glaser, Jr. for over three decades. Over the course of her career, she and her brother successfully owned and operated Shriver’s Salt Water Taffy & Fudge in Ocean City, New Jersey. The business remains a part of the family and is a lasting legacy of her hard work and many talents. In addition to her professional accomplishments, Ginnie made a lasting impact on her community and was well-known for her contributions, particularly among her fellow Boardwalk merchants.
In her Atlantic City High School yearbook Ginnie wrote her life’s ambition was “to be deserving of all the sacrifices my parents have made for me; to see my brothers happy; and to find happiness with those I love and in that happiness to find success.” Ginny can rest peacefully knowing she achieved her ambitions and so much more. For those that knew and loved her, the joy she found and shared with us all will be profoundly missed.
Virginia was the cherished wife of the late Leonard J. Berwick. She was a devoted mother to Mark Berwick, and his spouse Alyssa Berwick; and Meryl Berwick Vangelov, and her spouse, Blu Vangelov; and a loving grandmother to Mackenzie Berwick, Taylor Berwick, Callen Berwick, Adrian Vangelov and Neven Vangelov. She was also a dear sister to Henry Glaser, Jr.; and Frank Glaser and his spouse, Maureen Glaser; and a treasured aunt, cousin, and friend to many throughout the Main Line of Philadelphia and South Jersey.
The family will be hosting a celebration of life and service for relatives and friends in April 2025. Further details will follow.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Friends of the Ocean City Pops and Covenant House (Atlantic City). These organizations reflect Ginnie’s lifelong love of music and her care and compassion for others in need.