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Celebrating the life of Virginia Esqueda Gilpin.
Agreed to by the Senate, March 10, 2026
WHEREAS, Virginia Esqueda Gilpin, a devoted wife, mother, and grandmother, respected public servant, and cherished member of the Virginia Beach community, died on May 18, 2025, at the age of 98; and
WHEREAS, born in El Paso, Texas, Virginia Esqueda was the daughter of the late Cipriano Esqueda and Maria Trinidad Delgado Esqueda; in 1952, she married Billy Gilpin and began a loving partnership that endured for 72 years until his passing in October 2024; and
WHEREAS, Virginia Gilpin and her husband lived in Charlottesville before moving to Virginia Beach in 1969, where she would make a lasting impact on the community; and
WHEREAS, after later residing in Hendersonville, North Carolina, Virginia Gilpin remained deeply connected to the Virginia Beach community she served for decades; and
WHEREAS, Virginia Gilpin dedicated more than 40 years of exemplary volunteer service to Virginia Beach Emergency Medical Services and the Virginia Beach Volunteer Rescue Squad, serving during a formative period when prehospital advanced life support was still in its infancy; and
WHEREAS, during her distinguished tenure, Virginia Gilpin became a cardiac technician and served in numerous leadership roles within the Virginia Beach Volunteer Rescue Squad, including squad commander, captain, and lieutenant; and
WHEREAS, as a trailblazer for women in emergency medical services, Virginia Gilpin helped pave the way for greater inclusion and equitable service within the volunteer rescue system; and
WHEREAS, in recognition of her extraordinary contributions, Virginia Gilpin received a Medal of Merit, and the Virginia Beach Volunteer Rescue Squad Foundation established the Virginia Gilpin Distinguished Service Award in her honor to recognize individuals whose outstanding service strengthens and enhances the volunteer rescue squad system in Virginia Beach; and
WHEREAS, Virginia Gilpin will be fondly remembered and greatly missed by her son, Bruce, and his family; and by numerous other family members and friends; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That the Senate of Virginia hereby note with great sadness the loss of Virginia Esqueda Gilpin, whose life of service, leadership, and dedication made a lasting impact on Virginia Beach and the Commonwealth; and, be it
RESOLVED FURTHER, That the Clerk of the Senate prepare a copy of this resolution for presentation to the family of Virginia Esqueda Gilpin as an expression of the Senate of Virginia's respect for her memory.