Virginia Marie (Sullivan) Brett, lovingly known as Ginnie, passed away peacefully on February 12, 2026 at the Pat Roche Hospice Home in Hingham, Massachusetts, after a long battle with ovarian cancer.

Ginnie was born on February 8, 1946, to Timothy Sylvester Sullivan and Clare Angela (Callanan) Sullivan. Born and raised in Malden, she attended Anna Maria College. Ginnie worked for Attorney General Robert Quinn at the Massachusetts State House where she met and fell in love with her husband, William Francis Brett of Dorchester. Ginnie and Bill raised their four children in Hingham and recently celebrated 54 loving years of marriage. 

Ginnie’s pride and joy was her family and the time they spent together. She was an extraordinary host for every holiday, the most loyal cheerleader, a woman of wisdom and grace who always seemed to know the right thing to do and the perfect words to say. Ginnie had a special gift for writing thoughtful notes and her handwritten messages were cherished by family and friends. She was the voice of love and strength and was the glue that held the Brett family together.

She was the devoted mother of Kerry Brett and her boyfriend, Scott Stunzenas, of Hingham; Megan Brett Khayali and her husband, John, of Marshfield; Tim Brett and his wife, Liza, of South Boston; and Erin Brett Carpenter and her husband, KC, of Hanover. She was the beloved “Grammy” to her nine beautiful grandchildren — Morgan, Greyson, Lulu, Hadley, Nora, Maggie, Celia, Jack, and Henry — “the hands she loved to hold.” 

Ginnie was known for her love, courage, sense of humor, and unwavering faith. She was the kindest soul, loving beyond measure and always thinking of the greater good. Her door was forever open to anyone in need and she taught her children through example the true meaning of generosity and compassion. Alongside her husband and children, she welcomed foster children into her home for several years, believing deeply in giving others a safe and loving place to land. She wanted her family to understand how fortunate they were and the importance of using their blessings to lift others. She especially cherished hosting holiday dinners for her brother-in-law, Jack, who had special needs, and his housemates. Ginnie loved welcoming new faces to her Thanksgiving, Christmas and Easter table—friends from the Globe, college roommates, neighbors, and anyone who needed a place to belong.

She is survived by her sisters, Millie Sullivan (Sister Therese Guerin, S.P.) and Clare Dixon and her husband, Peter. She is also fondly remembered by her in-laws Harry Brett, Pattie and Jim Brett, Peg McCobb, and Donna Sullivan; along with many beloved nieces and nephews.

In addition to her parents, she was predeceased by her brother, John Sullivan, and her sister, Mary Sullivan; and by her in-laws Jack Brett, Lucille Brett, Mary and Bob McCarthy, and Bill McCobb; as well as nephews Sean McCarthy, Kevin McCobb, and Michael Sullivan.

A Celebration of Life Mass will be held on Tuesday, May 12, at 11 a.m. at Resurrection Church, 1057 Main Street, Hingham. Family and friends are invited to join the Brett family as they celebrate Ginnie’s beautiful life.

“Death leaves a heartache no one can heal; love leaves a memory no one can steal.” Ginnie will be deeply missed and forever remembered for her strength and love.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the Tuberous Sclerosis Clinic at Boston Children's Hospital, in support of Ginnie’s granddaughter Hadley. Contributions can be made at bostonchildrens.org/giveinmemory. Or mail checks, payable to: Boston Children's Hospital Trust, 401 Park Drive, Suite 602, Boston, MA 02215. Please include Virginia Brett in the memo line.