Virginia Gilpin

Mrs. Virginia Esqueda Gilpin, age 98, passed away on May 18, 2025, at the Elizabeth House under the care of Four Seasons Hospice. Born in El Paso, TX on March 9, 1927, she was the daughter of the late Cipriano Esqueda and Maria Trinidad Delgado Esqueda. She married in 1952 to Billy Gilpin and moved to Charlottesville, VA, and then moved to Virginia Beach, VA in 1969. In 2015, they moved to Hendersonville, NC. Virginia and her late husband, Billy, who passed away in October of 2024, were married for 72 years

Virginia is survived by son, Bruce Gilpin, and his wife, Lynn; three grandchildren, Christopher and his wife, Lauren, Michael, and Joshua; two great-grandchildren, Maya and Cooper.

While in Virginia Beach, she was very active with the Virginia Beach Volunteer Rescue Squad. Virginia served Virginia Beach EMS and the VBVRS for more than 40 years. During her tenure, Virginia became a Cardiac Tech during a time when prehospital ALS was still in its infancy. Virginia also filled many roles at the VBVRS, including having served as Squad Commander, Captain, and Lieutenant.

Virginia helped pave the way for other women to join the ranks and equitably serve within the VBVRS and earned a Medal of Merit during her service. The Virginia Beach Volunteer Rescue Squad Foundation previously created an award in her name — the Virginia Gilpin Distinguished Service Award. This award is presented to an individual whose outstanding actions and activities have helped to strengthen and enhance the volunteer rescue squad system in the City of Virginia Beach.

Memorial service details are not available at this time and will be announced by Rescue 14 when available. The City of Virginia Beach has authorized the city flag to be flown at half-staff at EMS Headquarters and the VBVRS facilities until 1700 hours this Friday, May 30, 2025. VBVRS personnel should drape badges in honor of Virginia; these should be draped until 5 p.m. on Friday, May 30, 2025, unless memorial service details become known and necessitate a change.

Memorial Contributions in Mrs. Gilpin’s memory may be made to VBVRS (Virginia Beach Volunteer Rescue Squad or to Four Seasons Hospice. Shuler Funeral Home has the honor of serving the family.