Virginia Ann "Ginny" Sterling Galkoski, 83, entered into eternal rest on Tuesday, September 30, 2025, surrounded by peace and the love of her family at Morristown Medical Center after braving several months of illness. Ginny's life was rooted in faith, love, education and service and she will be lovingly remembered as a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, sister, friend and teacher who touched countless lives with her kindness and devotion.

Ginny was born on October 14, 1941 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania to Edward and Helen Cole Sterling. She was raised in Philadelphia before making New Jersey her home. She was a longtime resident of Plainfield and, for the past six years, lived in Watchung. She was graduated from J. W. Hallahan Catholic Girls High School in Philadelphia and later continued her education at Kean College in New Jersey, where she earned her bachelor’s degree in education.

Ginny pursued a demanding and rewarding career as an early elementary educator in Plainfield's inner-city public school system. She served as a specialized teacher in remedial math and reading to a vulnerable student population with academic and social challenges. Beloved by her students for her patience and encouragement, she dedicated herself to nurturing both minds and hearts. She retired in 2003, leaving behind a lasting legacy of care and inspiration.

Ginny's faith was at the very center of her life and she was the spiritual leader of her family. A devout Catholic, she was a longtime member of St. Bernard's Catholic Church in Plainfield and St. Mary’s Stony Hill Church in Watchung, where she found great joy in worship, prayer groups, and retreats. She volunteered her time generously with the Sisters of Mercy, serving with compassion and devotion. Her favorite holiday was Easter, when she delighted in gathering her family, hosting celebrations, and honoring the Resurrection with joy and gratitude.

Beyond her faith, her greatest joy was her family. She treasured every moment spent with them and had a particularly close bond with her beloved sister, Lorraine Allen Perri. She was a proud and loving grandmother, cherishing time with her grandchildren who were truly her great pride and joy.

Ginny was predeceased by her beloved parents, Edward Bratton Sterling, Helen Cole Allen and James C. Allen, Sr.; her devoted husband of 56 years, Paul V. Galkoski; her cherished grandson, Allen Benzacken; and her brothers Edward Sterling and James C. Allen, Jr. She is survived by her devoted children: June (Edwin) Hoffman; Lynn Galkoski, Jennifer (Edward) Zatorski, and Michael (Kristin Dwyer) Galkoski. She is also survived by her dear grandchildren: Eddie Hoffman, Addison Hoffman, Rowan Hoffman, Jack Benzacken, Paul Zatorski, Lucas Zatorski, Catherine “CC” Galkoski, and Michael Galkoski. In addition, she is survived by her loving siblings Lorraine Perri (Adriano), Stephen Allen (Mary Beth), Michael Allen (Peggy), and Robert Allen. Ginny is also survived by numerous loving nieces and nephews. 

Family and friends are invited to attend the visitation on Monday, October 13, 2025, from 4:00 to 7:00 PM and again on Tuesday, October 14, 2025, from 10:00 to 10:45 AM at Higgins Home For Funerals, 752 Mountain Blvd., Watchung, NJ. A Mass of Christian Resurrection will be celebrated on Tuesday, October 14, 2025, at 11:00 AM at St. Mary’s Stony Hill Church, 225 Mountain Blvd., Watchung, NJ.  A Celebration of Life luncheon will be held immediately following the funeral Mass at Water and Wine Ristorante, 141 Stirling Road, Watchung, NJ. The Interment will be held privately at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, donations in Ginny's memory may be made to the Sisters of Mercy, c/o Mount Saint Mary House of Prayer at https:/msmhope.org.

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