Virginia “Ginger” Anne (Tuinstra) Sisson transitioned peacefully April 17, 2026, at 84 years of age, seven years after being diagnosed with Alzheimer’s Disease. Ginger was preceded in death by her parents, John and Catherine Tuinstra, her brother Tom Tuinstra, and her husband of 59 years, Jerry Sisson. She is survived by her three children (Christoph, John-Paul and Celeste), her sister Susan Pelak, seven grandchildren (Kyla, Ian, Ariel, Waverly, Violet, Hudson and Zane), and two great-grandchildren (Levi and Oscar).

Reading Ginger’s educational and professional accomplishments lets you know the kind of person she was: Driven, determined and dedicated. She loved to help and encourage others to achieve their goals. Ginger was deemed The Book Grandma for sharing her love of reading with her grandchildren and gifting great books for birthdays and holidays. And she enjoyed adventures with her grandkids, always eager to learn, open to debate, playful, and sassy.

 Ginger was a fierce advocate for women’s rights and LGBTQ+ rights. And she felt fulfilled when living her Christian values helped support her community and people in need, often volunteering for Sowhope and Heartside-based organizations. 

She was very much a person of action. 

Ginger, a native of Grand Rapids, MI, graduated from Hudsonville High School in 1959. Her lifelong passion for learning led her to earn a Bachelor’s Degree in English education from Western Michigan University in 1963, followed by a Master’s Degree in Library Science from Wayne State University in 1993, and finally a Specialist’s Degree in Library Media Technology from Michigan State University in 1998. Ginger began her career with students at Galesburg-Augusta Public Schools, Grand Rapids Baptist College (now Cornerstone University), and Decatur Public Schools. A gifted speaker and community guide, she served as a longtime leader for Women’s Bible Study Fellowship. Her professional journey continued as school librarian for Spring Lake Public Schools and Grandville Public Schools, and later as circulation director for the Grand Rapids Public Library. Her adventurous spirit truly shone during her “retirement,” serving as a traveling technology trainer for Follett Software Company, a role that enabled her to work with librarians across the United States and as far as Azerbaijan.

A Celebration of Life will be held for Ginger on Saturday, July 25, 2026 from 2-4pm at the East Grand Rapids Library community room downstairs. 

In honor of Ginger's long career as a librarian, the family will be conducting a book swap at the Celebration of Life. If this inspires you, bring a book (or two) to share with others. Any books left over after the celebration will be donated to the Friends of the EGR Library for their biannual fundraiser. 

The family will also be celebrating her husband Jerry’s life at the same event. A jazz band will be playing in honor of Jerry and Ginger’s mutual love of music.

In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to the Alzheimer's Association to support the continued research for a cure of the disease.