Virginia (Payson) Crane

Virginia "Ginny" (Payson) Crane, 79, a lifelong resident of Manchester, passed away on Monday, October 26, 2026, after a hard-fought battle with ovarian cancer and a stroke, at Community Hospice House in Merrimack, surrounded by her loving family. She was the widow of John M. Crane, who passed away on March 28, 2025. Together, they shared 55 years of marriage.

Born on January 31, 1947, in Manchester, New Hampshire, Ginny was the daughter of the late Franklin Payson and Isabella Laurie (Burke) Payson.

Ginny was known for her love of family, travel, and lifelong learning. Early in their marriage, she and her husband enjoyed traveling throughout Europe while he was stationed in Herzogenaurach and Augsburg, Germany. She was an avid reader from a young age and had a passion for antiquing. She often joked that she had "champagne taste on a beer budget," a saying that perfectly reflected her appreciation for beauty and treasures found along the way.

She is survived by her twin brother, William Payson and his wife, Ann, of Camden, Maine. She was predeceased by her brother, Johnny Payson, and her nephew Aaron Payson.

Ginny graduated from Manchester Memorial High School and earned an associate degree from Granite State College.

Prior to her retirement in 2009, she dedicated more than 20 years to serving as a paraprofessional for children with disabilities in the Manchester School District. She also worked as a receptionist for Dartmouth Hitchcock Clinic. Her compassion, kindness, and commitment to helping others made her a wonderful role model and a cherished friend to all who knew her.

Survivors include her children, Christopher Crane and his wife, Marianne, of Bellevue, Nebraska; Victoria Faucher and her husband, Jonathan, of Manchester; and Stephanie Crane of Londonderry. She also leaves behind her beloved grandchildren, Danielle, Emily, Bennett, Thomas, Nathan, Jacob, and Melissa, and her two great-grandchildren, Lorelei and Lila as well as her niece Sarah and nephew Matt and his wife Jessica.

SERVICES: In accordance with her wishes, a private burial will take place at Pine Grove Cemetery in Manchester, New Hampshire at a later date. In lieu of flowers, donations in Ginny's honor may be made to the American Cancer Society www.Cancer.org. To leave a message of condolence or sign the online guestbook, please visit www.LambertFuneralHome.com