AUBURN | Virginia S. Hemphill, 89, of Auburn, died peacefully Saturday, Nov. 24, 2012. Our mother was a native of Fulton. She graduated from Russell Sage College. Upon graduating, she married and returned to Fulton where she had six children. While raising these children, she was actively involved as a volunteer in several community development groups, most notably chairing "Forward With Fulton." In 1966, she relocated with her children to Auburn and became employed as a case worker for the Cayuga Home For Children. Her continued desire to help people led her to "The Home," where she became the activities director and specialized in geriatric care. In her position, she was among the very first to pioneer the development of social and physical activity programs that would enrich the lives of the elderly in nursing care. Subsequent to "The Home," she carried these skills on to Westminster Manor. After working for several more years, she retired and enjoyed gardening, cooking, and traveling, but never gave up being a Guardian Angel to others. One of her proudest accomplishments in retirement was her volunteer work with inmates at the Auburn Correctional Bible Study Group. Many of the people whose lives she touched as a result of her career in social work and volunteering continued to communicate with her throughout the years. The people she touched the most though, were those in her family. She was a loving mother and wife. She is survived by her husband, David Hemphill; her four children, Barbara MacDaniel, of Denver, Colo., John MacDaniel (Joann), of Liverpool, Meredith MacDaniel, of Livermore/San Jose, Calif., and David MacDaniel, of Titusville, Fla.; six grandchildren and three great-grandchildren. She was predeceased by her sons, Danny and Douglas. She was a member of the First Presbyterian Church. A memorial service will be held at a later date. There will be no calling hours. Contributions may be made in her honor to AIDS Community Resources. “We love you Mom and miss you. Know what you have done for us has meant a lot and will always be a part of our lives. Rest in Peace Mom.�
