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302-478-7100 Wilmington & Hockessin, DE

Virginia Grinsell Kenton

Virginia (Molly) Grinsell Kenton, age 86, of Wilmington, Delaware, passed away peacefully on May 27, 2025. Beloved by family, friends, acquaintances, and animals alike, Molly brought warmth, kindness, and joy to all who knew her.

A proud graduate of P.S. DuPont High School, class of ‘56, Molly earned her Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education from the University of Delaware in 1960. She dedicated her career to nurturing young minds as a cherished teacher and school administrator.

Born in Wilmington, Molly’s life journey also took her to Parlin, New Jersey, Lake Charles, Louisiana, and Toronto, Ontario, Canada before she returned to her hometown in 1981. Wherever she lived, she left a legacy of compassion, creativity, and community spirit.

Molly was a lifelong athlete with a passion for golf, tennis, and figure skating. Among her many athletic achievements, she proudly scored a hole-in-one at the Lake Charles Country Club. She was a long-standing member of the Wilmington Country Club and served on its Board of Trustees. Beyond sports, Molly was a gifted artist and musician, and a dedicated lifetime blood donor to the Blood Bank of Delaware.

Her faith was central to her life. As a devoted member of Lower Brandywine Presbyterian Church, she served faithfully as an Elder, offering her time and talents in service to others.

Molly was predeceased by her parents, Walter Speakman Grinsell, Jr. and Harriet Louise Goss Grinsell. She is survived by her loving husband of nearly 65 years, Harold Norman Kenton, Jr., and their two children, Joan Patricia Kenton and Jeffrey Paul Kenton (Stefanie). She was a proud grandmother to Alexander Paul Kenton (Eve), Meredith Grace Kenton, and Caroline Elise Kenton, and a joyful great-grandmother to Beaux Paul Kenton and Miles Richard Kenton. She is also survived by her dear sister, Nancy Louise Wolhar.

Molly will be remembered most for her boundless kindness, her ability to make everyone feel like a friend, and her deep love for animals. People were drawn to her gentle spirit, and animals instinctively trusted her. She leaves behind a legacy of love that will be cherished by all who knew her—human and animal alike.

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Funeral Services

A memorial service celebrating Molly’s life will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Friday, June 20th at Lower Brandywine Presbyterian Church, 101 Old Kennett Road, Wilmington, DE 19807.

The family extends heartfelt gratitude to the staff of ACTS Country House for their compassionate care. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the ACTS Legacy Foundation or Lower Brandywine Presbyterian Church in Molly’s memory.

Condolences

    Russell K Garcia writes,
    My sincere condolences to all who were blessed with the presence of Ms. Molly 😇😇😇 Though I never had the pleasure of meeting her, her positive presence is relayed through her son Jeff, who I've been blessed to know as a friend. The apple never falls far the tree !!! God bless you Ms. Molly .......You are truly missed 😇😇😇🙏🙏🙏
    05/29/2025 09:41 pm
    Harvey Kenton writes,
    May Molly rest in peace. God bless her family.
    05/30/2025 07:50 pm
    Jerry Barsha writes,
    Hal, my most sincere sympathy to you and your family on the loss of Molly. Molly and I go back to our toddler years. A lovely child, lady and person. We have very pleasant memories of Molly. I just read of her passing. Was out of country so I missed funeral. My prayers are with you.
    05/31/2025 11:11 am
    Sandi & Tuesdae lit a candle and writes,
    May Molly rest peacefully, a beautiful lady! May God Bless her family with peaceful fun-filled memories. 🤍✝️
    06/01/2025 11:22 am
    Peter Cloud writes,
    My memories of Molly go back to the early. 50s. We grew up in Woodcrest a few blocks from Conrad HS where Molly was one of the best and most attractive athletes ( male or female) in the neighborhood (and one of the nicest) and was always one of the first picked to be on a team for our neighborhood games and sports. She will be missed by all who were lucky enough to know her.
    06/03/2025 11:37 am
    Sally Lawrence writes,
    Dear Harold and family, I am so very sorry for your loss. I remember Molly just as the obituary says…sweet and kind and loving. May God bless you with His Peace and Comfort, His Love and Presence. Sally Lawrence Lake Charles
    06/03/2025 07:49 pm
    Charlotte LaBarbera writes,
    Dear Hal, Joan and Jeff, Having real warm memories of our time together when you lived in Lake Charles. Hal, really appreciate your staying in touch over the years. Our sincerest condolences for your loss. Molly was such a "hoot". So many fun times and great food. Love and prayers, Charlotte, Trena, Rick and Mikey
    06/07/2025 11:46 am
    Lindsay Coulter lit a candle and writes,
    Thinking of you all. Sending love and light. Cherish the beautiful memories. Love - Lindsay
    06/12/2025 06:43 pm

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