M. Virginia Connors

Mary Virginia Connors, 82

Troy - Mary Virginia Connors, 82, of Troy, passed away peacefully on February 15, 2010, at St. Mary's Hospital.

Born on December 6, 1927, Ginny was the daughter of Grace (Callanan) and Kenneth A. Race. She was predeceased by two adoring husbands, Carl J. Mazzarella, in 1950, and Walter A. Connors, in 1983.

A homemaker, Ginny had the kindness of hearts and gift to share her love with all of her family and friends. She was a constant force in her family that guided her children through life with laughter and a gentle hand.

She was a communicant of Our Lady of Victory Church. For over 45 years, Ginny was an avid participant in community organizations including the Samaritan Hospital Auxiliary, the Van Rensselaer Garden Club and the Troy Boys and Girls' Club, as well as a founding member of the Country Club of Troy.

Ginny devoted her life to her seven children: Susan Grace Callanan; Mary Diane (John) Hennemuth; Alison (William Jr.) Lockwood; Stephanie (Duncan) Stewart; Alicia Connors; Walter (Pamela) Connors; and Gibbs (Morgen Cheshire) Connors. She was a cherished "Lala" (grandmother) to Avery (Monty) Forman and Nate (fiancée Clare) Johnson; Jake (Rachel), Andy (Maureen) and Katie Hennemuth; William III and Conor Lockwood; Michaela, Conor and Gillian Stewart; Gabrielle and Andres Varela; Jane, Grace and Jack Connors; and Red and Dot Connors. She was blessed most recently with five great- grandchildren: Madelyn and Michael Hennemuth; Jonathan and Tanner Hennemuth; and Amory Forman.

Ginny is also survived by a sister, Elinor R. Addeo, nieces and nephews and many loving and supportive friends. She was predeceased by two brothers, Paul and John Race.

Ginny was a lifelong resident of Troy. She graduated from Lansingburgh High School in 1945 and attended Russell Sage College, where she studied fashion merchandising. She put her skills to work at B. Altman's in New York, where she met her first husband, and as co-proprietor of The Bear's Bureau in Troy in the 1980's.

Ginny resided on Riding Club Road for over 35 years. Her home there was the center of family Christmas celebrations and a gathering place for neighborhood children. She lived most recently at the Eddy Community at Beechwood, where she connected with many old and new friends and enjoyed daily social activities.

Ginny loved to travel, cook and welcome family home for the holidays. She especially loved the ocean and the sun, enjoying summers on Cape Cod and Nantucket, Massachusetts, and enjoyed many trips to Europe with family. She selflessly gave her time and talents to relatives and friends in need.

Funeral service will be held Friday at 11:30 AM at the Our Lady of Victory Church, 55 North Lake Avenue, Troy, where a Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated.

Friends and family may call at the CHURCH on Friday from 10:30 AM - 11:30 AM prior to the Mass.

Interment will be in St. Mary's Cemetery in Waterford.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made in memory of M. Virginia Connors to her beloved parish, Our Lady of Victory Church, 55 North Lake Avenue, Troy, NY 12180. For a private family guest book and service directions, visit www.brycefh.com.

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