Virginia V. Thompson

Schenectady- Virginia V. Thompson 83, passed away peacefully Sunday March 17th, 2024 in Schenectady, NY with her two children at her bedside.

Virginia was born in Green Bay, Wisconsin in 1940 to parents Harvey Voelker and Dorothy Sweeney. Virginia attended St. Norbert College earning a BA in English and the College of St. Rose where she earned a MS in Education.  Early on she taught at Troy High School, Oneida Junior High and Mohanesan Middle School. A long time resident of Niskayuna, NY she was employed by the Niskayuna School district and taught at Iroquois Middle School from 1986 to 1998 when she retired. She loved teaching and was an advocate for her students, making a point to attend each graduation.

Virginia lived and traveled abroad with her husband Fred Thompson, enjoying and embracing other cultures. She was a member of the Schenectady Women’s Tennis Association and for years ran the bus trip to the US open. She also enjoyed playing tennis for Niskayuna Women’s Tennis Association and taught swimming at the YWCA.

Mrs. Thompson was a member of the Schenectady Symphony Orchestra Board, served as treasurer and received the 2001 Encore Award for service to the symphony. She was a Girl Scout leader, PTO president at Niskayuna High School as well as co-chair at the Middle School clothing sales. As a Friend of the Schenectady County Public Library, she co-chaired the May and September book sales for 10 years and volunteered at the Whitney Book Corner. She also enjoyed volunteering at the Salvation Army soup kitchen and working at the election polls.

A person of deep faith, Virginia was a member, lector and Eucharistic minister at St. Helen’s/St. Kateri Tekakwitha church in Niskayuna. She enjoyed cooking, gardening, swimming, skiing and spending time vacationing with family on Sanibel Island and at her parent’s camp on Waubee Lake in Wisconsin. 

Virginia was pre-deceased by her husband Fred J Thompson of 56 years. She is survived by a daughter, Elizabeth Thompson, Kittery Point ME and a son Eric Thompson, Kingston NY, his wife Amy and three beloved grandsons Tristan, Liam and Ossian. Her two sisters, MaryLou Kuske, Green Bay WI, Barbara Wochos (Daniel) Scottsdale AZ, a sister-in-law Christine Burnett, Frederick MD, three nieces, four nephews and many dear friends.

A Mass of  Christian Burial will be celebrated at 9:00 am Thursday, June 6, 2024 at St. Kateri Tekawitha Church, 1803 Union Street, Schenectady. Calling hours will be held from 4:00 pm to 8:00 pm Wednesday, June 5 at Jones Funeral Home, 2020 Central Avenue, Colonie.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to St. Norbert College, the Schenectady Saratoga Symphony Orchestra, St. Kateri Tekakwitha Parish or Covenant House in NYC.

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