Ernestine K. Ridgway., of Leesburg, VA, passed away at Heritage Hall Nursing Home in Leesburg on May 2, 2022. Ernestine was born in Baltimore, MD on January 14, 1925 to Katherine (Barona) Alfonsi and Anthony Alfonsi. Ernestine spent her growing years in Baltimore, the only daughter with two older brothers and one younger brother who have all predeceased her.

She married James W Ridgway of Roanoke, VA on December 31, 1946. They enjoyed 67 years of a happy marriage. They spent time in Kentucky and then in Pennsylvania, where they had a daughter.  They moved to Virginia, where another child, a son was born.  They then moved overseas to Japan and Okinawa before settling down in Silver Spring, MD for 17 years. Since 1979, Ernestine has lived in Leesburg VA, where she participated in many volunteer activities.  She enjoyed being a volunteer, especially as a receptionist for the local hospital. She was also very active in the local Catholic Church.  Ernestine loved animals, especially her beloved dogs, Bandi and Peachy.

She is survived by her two children - daughter Patricia Groff and son James W. Ridgway, two grandchildren Shannon Groff (Todd) and Alexander Groff (Meredith), and four great grandchildren. She was predeceased by her parents and three brothers, Peter, Joseph and Paul.

Ernestine touched many lives through her kind, generous and thoughtful nature, including donating to charities and her volunteer work. She loved to shop around town and work in her garden. She will be missed and remembered fondly by her surviving children and grandchildren.

A mass will be held on May 13, 2022 at 11AM at Saint John the Apostle, little chapel, located on 231 N. King St., NW, Leesburg, VA (at the corner of North King Street and Union Street). Interment will take place immediately following the Mass at St. John Catholic Cemetery.