×

Virginia May “Ginny” DeJonghe

Virginia May DeJonghe, (nee Dengler), age 93, of Van Buren Bay, Dunkirk, N.Y. passed away on Sunday, February 26, 2017.

Virginia, known as Ginny to family and friends, was born on May 21, 1923 in Detroit, Michigan. She was the oldest of 10 children of the late Joseph and Marie Dengler.

Being the oldest of a large family, she took on a motherly role, helping to raise nine siblings. She married her childhood sweetheart, Charles DeJonghe, when he returned from serving in the Navy during WWII, on May 11, 1946.

They moved from Michigan to New York with their first child and settled into a small cottage on Lake Erie. As their family grew with two more boys, so did their ties to the community. Ginny became active in St. Joseph Church and school and served as President of the Mother’s Club and the Altar Rosary Society. Along with being the full-time bookkeeper in her husband’s plumbing business, Ginny also worked as the Fredonia tax collector.

Ginny was renowned for her generosity and caring of family. She led by example and her faith in God. Ginny encouraged every family member to do their best and be kind to your fellow man. Together with her husband, they traveled and each year enjoyed their winters in Florida.

Virginia May “Ginny” DeJonghe

Virginia is survived by her devoted husband, Charles, to whom she was married for 71 years; three sons, Larry (Madeline), Allan (Jayne), both of Van Buren Point and Dennis (Peggy) of Saratoga Springs, N.Y.; eight adoring grandchildren; and 10 great-grandchildren. She is also survived by two sisters, Marilyn Molloy of Orchard Park, N.Y. and Darlene Letersky of Westport, Ct. and Greencrest, N.Y.

Virginia is predeceased by her siblings, Hugh Dengler, Ray Dengler, Marvin Dengler, Donald Dengler, Ralph Dengler, Bernice O’Connor and Belva Metzler.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at St. Joseph Church, 145 E. Main Street, Fredonia, N.Y., on Thursday, March 2, 2017 at 11 a.m. (Please assemble at church.) A private family interment will follow at St. Mary’s Cemetery. There are no calling hours. A celebration of her life will be dedicated on her birthday, May 21. In lieu of flowers, Virginia wished for donations to be made to St. Joseph’s Altar and Rosary Society, 145 E. Main Street, Fredonia, N.Y. 14063 or Chautauqua Hospice & Palliative Care, 20 W. Fairmount Ave., Lakewood, N.Y. 14750.

The family is very appreciative for your thoughts and prayers. Online condolences may be made at larsontimkofuneral home.com. Arrangements by David J. Dengler.