Margaret Virginia Galland

Margaret Virginia Rose Galland, also known as "Ginny" or "Nana" to those who knew her best, was born September 21, 1945, in Los Angeles, California, to George Harvey Rose and Margaret Gary Rose. Many knew Ginny for her virtue, social grace, dignity, and keen intellect. These character traits were destined, having been raised by doting, competent parents who were lifelong seekers of knowledge, truth, and wisdom. In her own words, "With my parents being two elderly schoolteachers who took my education very seriously, my calling in life was to excel in school. Fortunately, I loved school and did excel. I loved all things academic so long as they were English or history. I was a good athlete and engaged in social events comfortably–not a total nerd. But a willing nerd. Nerdism was my chief trait." This education was broadened when her parents took her on a "round the world" trip in her youth; this is where her love for travel, culture, people, and affinity for all God's wonders began.

Ginny spent her first years on a lemon ranch overlooking Santa Barbara and ultimately settled into an idyllic home in Westwood Village. She went to University High, a predominantly Jewish school, where she deeply valued and respected her friends' heritage. Her family attended the local Methodist church. Ginny's conversion into The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints began when she first laid eyes on the Book of Mormon, which was sitting on the desk of a classmate she had long admired. As she studied the book, she was determined to play "pretend Mormon" and found her true identity. Ginny professed, "from the ages of 16 to 19 marked a very slow march toward baptism; however, my heart converted instantly. My mind relishes the doctrines. I embraced it all."

Ginny attended UCLA; she was a Bruin Bell and received her Bachelor of Arts, graduating with distinction. She followed in her parents' footsteps and became a history teacher at Beverly Hills Highschool. She claimed, "for me, there is nothing more therapeutic than teaching. I love history. I love kids. What a combo." Her undergraduate studies allowed her an abroad experience in Brighton, England, at the University of Sussex, and she recalls her excitement as she spied a van full of Mormon Elders. Somehow the driver's silhouette remained in her mind's eye. Everywhere she went, there he was, a premonition of times to come. Rodger had noticed her too and had written his mother claiming, "I met the sort of girl I'd like to marry."

After both returned to the States, he immediately went to LA, looked her up, and there they spent a "Grease kind of Summer together." They were married the following Summer on July 6, 1968 and sealed in the Los Angeles temple on July 9th. Quoting a grandson, "I've seen my Nana almost weekly throughout my entire life, and I could count on one hand how many times I've seen my Nana without my Papa. They were inseparable and madly in love like they were 16-year-old lovers."

Being an only child, Ginny determined early in her life to someday have a home full of children. Fortunately, Rodger shared that desire, and they did not waste a moment making that happen. Nana's most outstanding achievement was raising and influencing her eight children, their children, and even great-grandchildren: Gary (Jodie), York (Jennifer), Sarah (Ray), Adam (Emily), Amy (Gabriel), Matthew (Erica), Madison (Kesley), and Chelsea (Ben), and her favorite, Lacey (the dog). She has 36 grandchildren, 13 great-grandchildren, four more on the way, and plenty more to come. Motherhood was the essence of Ginny. She stated, "with motherhood, I have become my best me, my truest me–the soul heavenly father fashioned me to be. I have not 'lost myself' for rather found myself, and I am engaged in fulfilling my divine commission. Motherhood, for me, is the tool of perfection, of completion, and contentment."

Ginny’s legacy will be her 'oneness' with Rodger, her faithful progeny, and her valiant testimony of Jesus Christ. She is known by all as the kindest, most Christ-like nurturer, always choosing to see only the best in others, one's true potential, much like our Savior does. These traits were not only reserved for her posterity but were deliberately given to all. Whether it be her chosen daughter Angela, her dearest and nearest friends, her missionaries of the Omaha Nebraska Mission, associates at the office, the crew of the Liberty, those who cared for her homes away from home, the friendly neighbors of the Rock Canyon and Riverwoods Wards, those she strolled by on the Provo River trail, her study groups, her beloved Sunday School kids, her young woman throughout the years, those she ministered and who ministered her–all were equal in her eyes. We have been indelibly changed by you, Ginny; we love you.

Rather than send flowers at this time in Ginny’s honor, she would want you to reach out to an estranged, distant, or lonely family member and reconnect and express your love for them.


The Zoom link for funeral is https://bit.ly/VirginiaGalland. We appreciate all who wish to join with the Galland family for any and all of these services.