Virginia M. Himmel, 71, wife of Kenard 'Ken' Himmel of Wood Pond Rd., Cheshire, passed away Dec. 25, 2011 in Masonic Healthcare after an extended illness. She was born in New Haven Oct. 7, 1940 a daughter of the late William and Alice Doherty Miller and had resided in Cheshire since 1977. Ginny was employed at the MD Healthplan and later Healthnet for 15 years prior to her retirement in 1982. In addition to her husband she is survived by her brother, John Miller and his wife Georgette of Myrtle Beach, SC, a sister-in-law, Lois Miller of Hamden, several nieces, nephews, and a great-niece and 2 great-nephews. She was predeceased by her brother William Miller. Mr. Himmel extends his deepest thanks to the caring staff nurses and nursing assistants at Yale New Haven Hospital and the Hospital of St. Raphael during her illness. A service of rememberance will be held Friday Dec. 30, at 7 p.m. at BEECHER & BENNETT, 2300 WHITNEY AVE., HAMDEN. Friends may visit with her family Friday from 5-7 p.m. prior to the service. Interment will be at the convenience of the family.