Ginka Gerova Ortega

March 18, 1944 - September 29, 2021

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Ginka was born on March 18, 1944 in Preslav, Bulgaria, a small, largely agricultural community under Communist oppression. With musical ambitions and unfailing support from her parents she began her musical training on the piano at the age of seven, later discovering the flute, which she considered her ‘true voice’. In her teens Ginka was accepted to the music conservatory in Varna, Bulgaria, which was a beautiful city on the Black Sea that attracted many tourists. Due to a fortunate series of events she immigrated to the United States in 1962 with her parents, the Reverend George Gerov and Vasilka Gerova, along with her younger brother, Gene. They moved to Lorrain, Ohio and then later to Detroit, Michigan.

Ginka holds degrees from Oberlin Conservatory, Wayne State University and University of Michigan School of Music. In Detroit Ginka met the love of her life, Jesus Ortega, whom she married in 1969, and they had two children, Irena and Julian. As a professional musician, Ginka played all over the world, including the US, Spain, France, Italy, Japan, China, Mexico, Jordan, Finland, and Carnegie Hall in New York City.

Ginka was extremely active in the musical realm, believing that music was the universal language of love and transcendence. She performed for foreign dignitaries, government leaders and even royalty. Later she founded Música Viva International Concerts, and as the Artistic Director, represented local and international talent with the goal of celebrating the world’s cultures through music. She is also the founder of the “Annual Michigan Flute Festival” in Orchestra Hall that brought over 1000 young flutists from across Michigan performing together with world renowned flute masters, each showcasing their own traditional flutes from around the globe.

For her passionate leadership and dedication to the Arts in Michigan and as member of The Women’s International Forum, Ortega was voted “one of Michigan’s most influential women” by Corp Magazine. Awarded the title of “Michigan Musical Ambassador” by the Governor, the State of Michigan, and The Sesquicentennial Commission, she represented the State of Michigan with a series of concerts throughout Japan performing as “The Michigan Duo”.

Aside from her musical contributions, Ginka was a devoted wife and loving mother and grandmother to four beloved grandchildren. In addition to her husband, she is survived by her daughter, Irena Tervo and husband, William; son, Julian Ortega and wife, Anne; four grandchildren, Jonah, Maia, Sarah, and Marcus; and her brother, Gene Gerov and wife, Miriam.

She battled ovarian cancer for almost four and a half years and throughout her struggle with the disease, never gave up hope. She is now reunited with her mother, Vasilka Gerova, and father, Reverend George Gerov.

Ginka will be remembered for her fiery spirit, her sense of adventure, love for nature, music and art, boundless energy, and friendship to many.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that you support ovarian cancer research with a donation to the Ovarian Cancer Research Fund at www.ocrf.org in Ginka’s name.

Ginka Gerova Ortega, 77, passed away on September 29, 2021, surrounded by her family which included her two children, grandchildren, brother, sister-in-law, son-in-law, and devoted husband of 52 years. Ginka was born on March 18, 1944 in Preslav, Bulgaria, a small, largely agricultural community under Communist oppression. With musical ambitions and unfailing support from herContinue Reading

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I am so very sorry, to the Ortega family, for your loss. Ginka was a huge musical influence in my flute playing career. She was my best and most favorite teacher, by far!! Heaven has gained a beautiful, musical angel. Thank you, Ginka, for your gift of music you gave me

Sincerest condolences to Jesus and family. We are just learning about Ginka’s passing. We so fondly remember all the times we shared together musically as well as at wonderful meals in your home. She was a very warm and generous person. We also enjoyed her music as often as we could. Our deepest deepest deepest sympathy to you. May all those wonderful memories stay in your heart as you mourn her loss. Fondly. Shirley and Frank Piku

I knew Ginka during our freshman year at Wittenberg University (1963 - 64) and remember her as a sweet and very talented young woman. She once taught me the words to "Brahms' Lullaby" in Bulgarian, which have always stayed with me. Wonderful to learn that she enjoyed such a successful career in music and had a large loving family. Sincere condolences and deepest sympathy for your loss.

Rest in peace! Memory Eternal dear Ginka.

My prayers are with you and your family. I remember the multiple times I would see her play. It was magnificent, passionate and joyful. She was a true master. The music world will also miss her. Last time I spoke with her she shared her love and pride of you and your children and grandchildren. I heard a flutist play Tchaikovsky Pathetique the first movement and I dedicate this to her. Warmly and with love, Lisa

Peace of mind is a call away. We’re here when you need us most.

I'm so sorry for your loss. My heart goes out to you and your family during this difficult time. Ginka was the light in the room bringing creativity and brightness into every space. My family loved her very much and we were deeply saddened to hear of her passing. My deepest and most heartfelt condolences.

Queridos Jesús, Irena, Julian e hijos. Les quiero dar nuestro más sentido pésame. Son tantos recuerdos felices que pasé contigo y la querida Ginka. Les dejo con el tradicional eslavo, "VECNAJA PAMJAT", Memory Eternal, Dr. Gary, Tatiana, Ileana y Lisaveta Scavnicky

Richard Haskin and I are deeply saddened by the passing of our friend Ginka. She was not only very musically talented but had a natural gift for being easily respected and loved. Ginka spoke softly but her words resounded loudly. We will always be grateful to her and Jesus for supporting artists in their home with intimate soirees. They made each of us feel special! It's a great loss to the Arts and to all that knew Ginka. Richard and I will hold her close in our hearts until we meet again, surrounded by angelic music. For now, we miss the Grande Dame from Bulgaria whose music was meant to enrich many countries. Our deepest sympathy to Jesus and the entire family. Much love, Pierette and Richard

Hi Jesus I am so saddened to read of the passing of Ginka. My thoughts and wishes are with you Ravi

Dr.Ortega I am so sorry for your loss. You and your family are in my thoughts and prayers. What a wonderful woman she was. The whole benign hematology clinic sends there condolences and love. Sharon Mauchline from 7B at DRH.

So sad to hear of Ginka's passing felt compelled to share two happy memories-- 20 years ago we collaborated on a handful of benefit concerts. Ginka was always open, willing, ready, and always seemed to rise above the challenges in the work we did, with grace and finesse. Secondly, my grandmother, Violette (Argiroff) Griffen told me years ago that she and her parents, Turpo and Tsveta, had fond memories of Fr. and Mrs. Geroff and Ginka going back now many decades. May she rest in peace and may her memory be eternal. Аз лично ще запомня Гинка като Амазонката на златния флейт! Моите най-искрени съболезнования!

The world has lost a true gem. Ginka's sweet, gentle and loving spirit and her fabulous music performances will stay in my memory forever. My deepest condolences to Jesus and her entire family. I was honored to have her as a friend.

The world has lost a lovely gem. Her gentle spirit, loving presence and fabulous musical venues will live on in my memory forever. Ginka was truly one of a kind. I was honored to have her as a friend. My deepest condolences to Jesus and her entire family.

This is stunning and very sad news about the loss of a stunning artist and generous and loving human being. Your skill with your golden flute touched souls all over the world. I was blessed with your friendship. You will be missed, muy amiga mia. My deepest condolences to your husband, your family and the many who loved you deeply.

So so sad to learn of the passing of this extraordinary woman, lady, friend and joy to so many. She was always interesting and entertaining. A real talent. The angels will embrace her.

With many tears and loving memories we remember so many dinners and discutions at the Ortega dinner table created with Ginka’s creative talents. She would visit me in my studio( I am a visual artist) and we would discuss art in every form. I have missed her these last few years and will cherish my memories of those times and her beauty will stay with me forever. G-D BLESS YOU Jesus and your beautiful family

Dearest Ginka, So much about you will be missed: your loving personality, your endless talent, your generosity, and your capacity for friendship. We all will miss you, dear friend. Nancy Badore

We shall miss our dear friend, Ginka, after 40 years of friendship. Our deepest condolences to Jesus and the family. We will keep her music in our hearts.

Ginka, you will be truly missed by many whose lives you have touched.

Dearest Ginka, We will miss you always. You are the most melodic and graceful person I've ever met. So kind, generous and beautiful. I will miss laughing with you and hearing your extraordinary stories. Much Love, Julie Gonzalez & Don Parker

Peace of mind is a call away. We’re here when you need us most.

Our deepest condolences to the family. Our families have been close for over 35 years. She will be missed .

In loving memory of your beautiful mother. The LORD is my shepherd...He makes me lie down in green pastures; He leads me beside quiet waters. He restores my soul. Psalm 23:2 The LORD is my shepherd; He makes me lie down in green pastures; He leads me beside quiet waters. He restores my soul. Psalm 23:2

She will be playing for the angel in heaven Rest In Peace Ginka

Ginka's light will shine through my life forever. Her love of life, kindness, wisdom, sense of humor and so much more that made her an extraordinary person and a truly special friend. She will be missed and remembered by so many. I feel lucky she became a part of my life and I will treasure these memories forever. Rest in piece dear Ginka...

Am so sad to hear that Ginka passed. She was so loving and kind to Doug and I, we loved her and Jesus like family.

Jesús, un fuerte abrazo a ti y a toda la familia. Ginka era de aquellas personas tan especiales que son únicas. La recordamos cariñosa, alegre, siempre interesada y preguntando por todos, especialmente por los chicos. Cuando llegaba el verano ya era recurrente la pregunta: cuando llegan Ginka y Jesús. Entonces no se trataba de ir a Calella, se trataba de ir a Torre Ginka, antes incluso de llegar a casa. Ya la echamos de menos, pero la recordaremos siempre. Y será difícil ir a Calella y no pensar en ella. O no sentirla cercana con el sonido de cualquier flauta. Y así queremos que sea. Un beso a Ginka y a sus padres, ahora que descansan juntos, y otro a Irene, a Julian y a toda la familia. Os queremos.

Un ángel más en el cielo. Gracias por haber estado en nuestras vidas. Te quiero tia Ginka. Vuela libre

Please accept our deepest condolences for your family's loss.