Virginia (Ginny) F. Wade of Walnut Street, Meadville, died Monday, May 5, 2008, at Meadville Medical Center.

She was born in Pittsburgh Aug. 4, 1917, a daughter of the late Anders and Carlotta Johnston Osterman. She married Merrill Wade, who preceded her in death in 1986.

She was a graduate of Schenley High School and Edinboro State College. She taught special education at Rovillus R. Rogers School in Jamestown, N.Y.

She was a leader of Beaverdam Community 4-H and Girl Scouts in the Corry area; was a member of the Vernon Grange; worked for Penn Lines Girl Scout Council and Women’s Services in Meadville; and was a volunteer for the American Cancer Society, the Gertrude Barber Center and the Crawford County Senior Center.

She was an advocate for people with disabilities, and was most recently involved with the Active Aging center in Meadville. In 1994, she ran for the Pennsylvania Sixth District House of Representatives seat. In 2007, she received the Democratic Lifetime Achievement Award and an award from the Pennsylvania Council on Aging.

She enjoyed politics, reading, playing the piano, hot-air balloon rides, horseback riding, woodworking, gardening, traveling (especially to visit her Swedish relatives), and helping others.

She is survived by a daughter, Patricia Haley of Erie; a grandson, Robert Fink and his wife, Linda, of Saegertown; a granddaughter; three great-grandsons and a great-granddaughter; and a brother, Victor Osterman of California.

She was preceded in death by her husband; a brother, Edward Osterman; and a great-grandson

Friends may call at the Crawford County Senior Center, 1034 Park Ave., Meadville, Saturday from 1 to 3 p.m.

Memorials may be made to the Crawford County Senior Center, 1034 Park Ave., Meadville, Pa. 16335.

Roofner-Collins Funeral Home Inc., 544 Chestnut St., Meadville, is in charge of arrangements.