Faith, Family and Service: The Inspiring Life of Gini Badger

Virginia “Gini” Badger’s life is a beautiful tapestry of love, dedication and continuous growth. Born in Ellwood City, PA, Gini spent her first 21 years in Western Pennsylvania. It was here that she met Barry, her high school sweetheart. Gini had her eye on Barry, and when they found themselves in the same 11th-grade history class, she strategically sat across from him. Their connection was instant, and they soon became high school sweethearts.

Both Gini and Barry attended Geneva College, where Gini earned her bachelor’s degree in chemistry. Barry completed three years at Geneva before moving on to dental school. In 1967, they married, marking the beginning of a lifelong partnership.

After graduation, Gini secured a job at Calgon (today owned by Merck), where she led the wastewater treatment lab. Her role involved analyzing water samples and developing treatment plans to remove contaminants from industrial and residential wastewater. Meanwhile, Barry graduated in 1970 and completed a one-year dental oral surgery internship in Youngstown, Ohio.

Barry’s career took a turn when he was drafted into the Army and stationed at Fort Wolters, Texas, as a Base Oral Surgeon for three years. Gini embraced her role as a military spouse, supporting Barry’s career every step of the way. After his service, they returned to Pennsylvania to be closer to their families. Barry established his dental practice in East Petersburg, and they settled in Lancaster County, which Gini found much more vibrant than Western Pennsylvania.

In 1974, they welcomed their first child, Laura, followed by Samuel in 1980. While raising their young family, Gini managed the bookkeeping for Barry’s dental practice, discovering her passion for accounting. With her bachelor’s degree already in hand, she needed only eight more courses to qualify for the CPA exam. She took one class at a time at Franklin & Marshall College, and in 1983, she completed her coursework and passed the CPA exam.

Gini joined a Lancaster accounting firm where she enjoyed a fulfilling career. She loved the ever-evolving nature of accounting, recalling the early days of manual journal entries and dot matrix printers. Both she and Barry retired in 2014.

Gini and Barry knew they wanted to move to a continuing care retirement community to avoid burdening their children with their care, if needed later in life. They chose Cornwall Manor for its customizable homes, wooded grounds, proximity to the Rail Trail, and spacious layout. They became part of the Cornwall Manor family in 2017.

Throughout her life, Gini served on several non-profit boards, including the Lancaster YMCA, Geneva College, The Gathering Place, the North Foundation, Manheim Women’s Club, Manheim Library Board, Mennonite Home, and the Worship Center in Leola. Faith has always been a vital part of Gini and Barry’s lives and they are now active members of St. Andrews Presbyterian Church in Lebanon. Mission trips are a powerful expression of faith, bringing communities together to serve, uplift, and share hope with those in need. Gini has participated in five mission trips to Jordan, Romania, and Guatemala, while Barry has embarked on over 20 different mission trips.

At Cornwall Manor, Gini and Barry quickly became active members of the community. They volunteered as Health Center transporters and Gini became deeply involved with the Cornwall Manor Society, eventually serving as its President.

Gini credits her mother for inspiring her, instilling the belief that hard work and motivation can lead to great achievements. Her proudest moment was serving as President of the Cornwall Manor Society, where she led an organization of over 300 members, providing programs and raising funds for benevolent care.

Today, Gini enjoys exercising, spending time with her grandchildren, volunteering in the Manor Shoppe, reading science fiction, cooking, and cherishing every moment with Barry. She believes in staying active, engaged, and positive, sharing her love for life with a smile. “I just love life,” she shares with a smile “and am grateful for each day.” We are very proud to have Gini and Barry as part of the Cornwall Manor community.