A Lifelong Advocate for Children and Learning
The American Montessori Society mourns the passing of Virginia “Ginny” Lee Varga, a pioneer in Montessori education and a guiding light for generations of educators, children, and families. Ginny passed away peacefully on April 15, 2025, in her hometown of Dayton, Ohio, at the age of 95.
A proud graduate of the University of Dayton, Ginny’s journey in education began with a passion for learning and deep compassion for humanity. In 1962, she earned one of the first AMS credentials—signed by Nancy McCormick Rambush—as well as an AMI diploma signed by Mario M. Montessori, setting the stage for a lifetime of groundbreaking work. That same year, she and her husband, Donald, founded Ohio’s first Montessori school, Gloria Dei Montessori.
A Transformational Force in Teacher Education
Ginny’s vision continued to expand the field. In 1981, she co-created the first teacher education program specifically for infant and toddler Montessori specialists—a model that would reach educators across North America and the Caribbean through the Center for Montessori Teacher Education/NY (CMTE/NY). This groundbreaking program, co-founded with her dear friend and colleague Carole Wolfe Korngold after meeting at the 1979 International Montessori Congress in Athens, Greece, was the first AMS infant and toddler teacher education program.
Known affectionately as “salt and pepper” for their inseparable presence, Ginny and Carole shaped the field by training educators across the U.S., Canada, Puerto Rico, and Hawaii. Their dedication included living in dormitories each summer while teaching in New Rochelle and traveling for month-long trainings—all while balancing family life with the support of their husbands, Don Varga and Bob Korngold. There would be no Montessori Infant and Toddler education in the United States as we know it without Ginny. She didn’t just advance the field—she helped build it. Her legacy is foundational, spanning more than 50 years of transformation in early childhood education.
At CMTE/NY, Ginny was known for her Socratic teaching style—posing questions that encouraged deep thought and reflection among her adult learners. Her evening discussions with faculty would often evolve into profound conversations about Montessori practice, philosophy, and the human condition. Her courses were rigorous and transformative, and many students returned year after year to continue learning from her. When she presented at AMS conferences, the rooms were often filled beyond capacity—testament to her lasting influence and compelling presence.
Ginny’s reach was global and deeply human. She trained hundreds of teachers, inspired thousands of students, and helped establish Montessori programs in underserved and war-affected regions, including in Central America. Her leadership in multiple roles within the American Montessori Society culminated in her being honored as an AMS Living Legacy in 1993—a recognition of her profound and lasting influence on the Montessori movement.
A Legacy That Lives On
Ginny’s work laid a foundation for generations to come, elevating Montessori education to new heights and ensuring its accessibility to children around the world. Her legacy lives on through those she taught, mentored, and inspired.
In every space Ginny entered, she brought curiosity, grace, and a spark of joy. She was not only a visionary educator but also a warm friend, a loving family member, and a spirited adventurer. Whether on the tennis court or in a classroom, her energy was magnetic and her kindness, unwavering. Ginny’s life was marked by a deep commitment to peace, justice, and care for others—especially the most vulnerable. She showed us what it means to lead with both strength and heart.
In lieu of flowers, her family invites donations to the AMS Living Legacy Scholarship Fund, which supports scholarships that help adult learners fulfill their dreams of teaching in Montessori classrooms.
We remember her. We honor her. She will be forever missed.