Virginia Anne Gaughen

Virginia Anne (Chapman) Gaughen, age 77, passed away in the Harrington House Nursing and Rehabilitation Center in Walpole, Massachusetts on Monday, November 30, 2015. Born in Boston, Massachusetts on June 30, 1938, she was the daughter of the late Francis P. and Marguerite J. (Powers) Chapman. She was raised in Dorchester and graduated from Saint Gregory's High School with the class of 1956. After graduation, Virginia continued her education at Boston Teacher's College, earning her Bachelor's Degree with a concentration in Education in 1960.

Virginia married her husband, Richard Francis Gaughen on February 23, 1962 in Randolph. Together they made their home in Randolph before settling in Milton, Massachusetts, where she raised her three sons. From 1973-1992, Virginia led the development of special needs laws in Massachusetts, including implementation and the broader use of Chapter766. (Names) During this time, she was chairperson of the Greater Boston Regional Advisory Council, and president of the Federation of Children with Special Needs, among other committee positions. State Senator William Bulger called Virginia "...a superb person who has been a forceful and articulate advocate for the Commonwealth's special needs children…"

During the 1980's, Virginia was also a special needs bus driver for the Milton & Plymouth Public School Departments, then began successful daycare out of her home, which she happily ran for 14 years.

After her retirement in 2000, Virginia and Richard relocated to the Manomet area of Plymouth, where they spent their days enjoying the view of the ocean, watching the ships go by, and naming the birds that visited. They enjoyed their later years with their children and grandchildren in Sharon, Massachusetts.

Virginia had a strong interest in genealogy, developing her own family tree going back many generations. She also had a love for music and movies and loved any chance to catch a movie out in theater and at home with her family, when one could be decided on.

During her life, Virginia had been called "strong willed", "stubborn", "imperious", and even "the Machiavellian Madwoman of Milton". She embraced all of them.

Beloved wife of the late Richard Francis Gaughen.
Loving mother of Andrew Gaughen, Marc Gaughen and his wife Erin all of Sharon and the late John Francis Gaughen.
Cherished grandmother of John Francis Gaughen and Hannah Kelly Gaughen.
Sister of Franklin Chapman of New Rochelle, NY.

Relatives and friends are kindly invited to attend the Graveside Service that will be held in the Milton Cemetery, 211 Centre Street, Milton on Monday, December 7, 2015 at 11:00 AM. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to: the American Heart Association 300 5th Ave, Waltham, MA 01701. Arrangements by James H. Delaney & Son Funeral Home, Walpole.