Virginia Baroud

Virginia (Gillespie) Baroud, 95, of Danvers, formerly of Shrewsbury, died peacefully on January 22, 2026, at Putnam Farms in Danvers, following a lengthy illness.

Born in Fitchburg on May 14, 1930, she was the daughter of the late James and Mary (Fogarty) Gillespie. Virginia was raised and educated in Fitchburg and, following her graduation from high school, entered the Sisters of Mercy. She served faithfully in the congregation as a special education teacher for more than 20 years.

Realizing she was called to a different path, Virginia withdrew from the congregation and continued her life’s work in education, teaching special needs children in the Westborough Public School System until her retirement.

A longtime resident of Shrewsbury before more recently moving to Danvers, Virginia found joy in tending her beloved Japanese garden, visiting family in the Berkshires and on Martha’s Vineyard, and swimming regularly at the Northborough YMCA. Above all, she was deeply devoted to her grandchildren, in whom she took her greatest pride.

She was the wife of the late Carum Baroud and is survived by her son, Christopher Baroud and his wife Paula of Danvers; her daughter, Karima Zannotti and her husband Robert of Mashpee; and her three cherished grandchildren, Cayla Baroud, Justin Zannotti, and Julia Zannotti. She also leaves many loving nieces and nephews.

In addition to her husband and parents, she was predeceased by her brother, James Gillespie, and her sister, Arlla Simisky.

Virginia’s funeral service will be private. In lieu of flowers, donations in Virginia’s memory may be made to the  Special Olympics of MA, 512 Forest Street, Marlborough, MA 01752.  To share a message of sympathy with Virginia’s family, please visit www.LyonsFuneral.com.