ALBANY – Virginia Lee “Jinny” Femia, 80, of Guilderland, died Thursday, March 11, 2010 in St. Peter’s Hospital. Jinny was born in Albany, the daughter of Harold L. Randall and Bertha Lee St. Onge Randall. She was employed for many years by the NYS Division of Alcohol and Substance Abuse Services, a job that she loved. She was very active in many associations, as President of the School 27 PTA, a Girl Scout volunteer, a member of the Bucci-McTague Post Auxillary, and a member of the Watervliet Senior Center and Choir. She enjoyed spending summers at Warners Lake, and throughout the years her warmth and affection made her home a special place for all. She was a best friend to all. To her family, she was both your biggest cheerleader and most honest critic.
Jinny is survived by her children Gail Meehan (Bill), Denise Strothers, John C. Femia (Jana), Rick Femia (Shawn); her brother John Randall (Avis); her sister June R. Gaynor; her grandchildren Amy Savoie (Dave), Chris Witko (Rebecca), Jill Meehan, Chris Nicholas, Brett Strothers (Christine), Evan Strothers (Nikki), Elizabeth and Nicholas Femia, and Michael, Matthew, Jessica and Laura Femia. Her former husband John Femia predeceased her.
Funeral services will be held in the Hans Funeral Home, 1088 Western Ave., Albany, Monday morning at 10:00. Relatives and friends are invited, and may call at the funeral home Sunday from 3-7 p.m. Interment will be in Graceland Cemetery, Albany. In keeping with her giving and liberal spirit, donations in her memory may be made to the Food Pantry For the Capital District, 23 Essex St., Albany, NY 12206; or to the Southern Poverty Law Center, 400 Washington Ave., Montgomery, AL 36104. To leave a message of condolence for the family, or obtain directions to the funeral home, please visit www.HansFuneralHome.com.
Bob and Mary Lou Young
to Gail, Denise, John and Rick
We are sorry to hear of your mom’s death. We have fond memories of Ginny at the lake.
Ken Hopkins
To the Femia extended family I am expressing my deepest sympathy in the passing of your mother. I’ve always had a delightful time in my conversations with her. She and I shared our love of Jumble and Crossword. And we could talk easily about many things, such as Yankee baseball, music and even politics. I will be making a donation in her name to the Southern Poverty Law Center. Sincerely, Love to all of you. Ken
Ken Hopkins
See Above
Ken Hopkins
See above message
Leslie Gordon
I am truly saddened to hear of Jinny’s passing. While there are no words to ease your pain,, just know you are all in our thoughts and prayers..
love, Leslie and Gabry
Rob & Tara Hopkins
I told Jana when I spoke with her how fond I was of Jinny. Although I only saw her a handful of times in my life, I always enjoyed those times because of how friendly and kind she was to me; her daughter in law’s nephew. Jinny was one of those people who was an “instant friend,” in the sense that she always remembered my name, was always friendly, quick with humor and consistently engaged and interested in what others had to say. She was a lovely woman and Tara and I wish to offer our most sincere condolences to John, Jana, Liz, Nick and the rest of the Femia family.
Donna Nord Wickert
Words cannot express my sadness in hearing about the loss of your dear mother. Truly, she was my favorite person in life. There was never a time that she was not tuned in to everyone whom she loved. Her wit, her wisdom, and her fun loving spirit remain in my heart as the happiest memories of life.
I remember your mother’s generosity from our childhood days on Western Ave. She never left me or anyone else out of the fun that was happening at your house. How many times did she pile us all in the truck to go for ice cream or to Hoffman’s playland??
Truly, she was a role model for all of us on how to keep the family together and be good to everyone. The mention of her name will always put a smile on my face. My heart is filled with gratitude that I was lucky enough to growup one block away from
Jinny Femia.
I love you all and am praying for you at this very sad time.,
Donna
Bill and Marianne Gustafson
Dear Gail, Denise, John, Rick, and families,
We send our love and prayers to all of you. We know how much you’ll miss you mother. Jinny was always so gracious and extended her usual warmth and hospitality to us. We enjoyed staying overnight as out-of-town guests on one of our trips to Albany to see Christie play volleyball at Siena. We’ve always enjoyed being with her and chatting at Femia family parties on Benedict Drive. It was always a pleasure, and we’ll miss her.
Sorry we can’t make it to Albany this weekend. Take care.
Love, Marianne and Bill
Linda Pallante
Dear Jinny ,
Thanks for all the sharing, the kindness, the late evening phone calls. Even though you were old enough to have been my mom, you were always a favorite friend.
Remembering how proud and excited you were when you bought your new home, and I bought mine at the same time. You helped me shop during lunch hours for kitchen curtains for mine home. You had to charge your time, and I didn’t.
Remembering planning luncheons and parties with you (the Luncheon Queens.)
Remembering how shocked you were when the cashier at the Ponderosa gave you the Sr. Citizen’s Discount without you asking for it. You thought maybe it was that you look older wearing Navy Blue. At your retirement party, we all wore navy blue.
Thank you for the priviledge of sharing friendship with you.
Thank you for being in my heart. I hope you felt the same.
“Thank you for being a friend.”
I’ll miss you.
Love,
Linda Pallante
Tom Pritchard
Dear Denise, Gail and Bill,
My sincerest condolonces on the passing of Jinny. All of my parents and parents-in-law have passed but the memory of them remains strong. I trust and hope that you and your families will find peace and consolation in celebrating the life of this remarkable woman.
Tom Pritchard
Dee Hamilton
Rick and Shawn: Sorry to hear of Jinny’s passing. I have so many fond and funny memories of her on Turnpike Lane. Her and Mert are probably eating marshmellow pinwheel cookies – having a wonderful time.
David and Martha Lamb
John, Jana and family – we are very sorry to learn of your mother’s sudden passing. She was a very great lady!