In Memory of Virginia Van Slyke

Obituary

Virginia Van Slyke, 92, of New Hartford, passed away, July 10, 2025, at Lutheran Care.

She was born October 27, 1932, in Eaton, NY, one of four daughters of the late Harold and Hazel Blowers. She graduated from Morrisville High School and attended SUNY Cortland. Virginia married James VanSlyke on July 2, 1955. They were married for 62 amazing years until James passed away on June 6, 2018. She was employed at General Electric until her children were born and then became a full-time homemaker and mother.

She was a member of St. John the Evangelist Church in New Hartford where she sang in the church choir and was a religious education teacher. She also was a literacy volunteer with the Utica School District. Virginia was instrumental in restarting Birthright of Oneida County where she volunteered for 16 years.

Virginia loved traveling with her husband Jim. They shared many adventurous travels together, including Austria, Ireland, and Germany. Virginia was an avid reader, reading all genres. She loved to garden, carefully tending to the many flowers she grew throughout the year. She was also a highly talented baker, and her desserts were enjoyed immensely by her loved ones, especially her berry pies. Most of all, she loved and adored her grandchildren. Virginia was always present at their sporting events, dance recitals, school plays, and graduation ceremonies.

She is survived by her children, Matthew VanSlyke (Beth Allen) of the Villages, FL, Patrice Borsz (Drew) of Bumpass, VA, Andrew VanSlyke (Lauri) of St. Louis, MO and Mary Femia (Jim) of Clinton; her grandchildren Corinne Martin (Jason), Shawna Thompson (Jason), Andrew Borsz; James Femia (Paige Sullivan), Anna Wuest (Patrick), Jillian Femia (Justin Mahanna); A.J. VanSlyke, Scott VanSlyke (Audrey), Jared VanSlyke (Lauren) and Nathan VanSlyke (Sloan); eleven great grandchildren; her sister Doris Chadwick, and several nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by her sisters Nancy and Joanne.

The family wishes to extend their sincere thanks to the various caregivers who have helped Virginia. Helen Barnett, Heather from Daughters for Hire, Barbara Nelson and her staff, the staff of Lutheran Care for their wonderful care, and the nurses of the 7th floor at Wynn Hospital.

A Mass of Christian burial will be held on Wednesday at 12:00 noon at St. John the Evangelist Church, New Hartford. The family will greet friends following the Mass. Private interment will be in St. Mary’s Cemetery, Clayville.

In lieu of flowers, please consider donations to Our Lady of Victory Homes of Charity, 780 Ridge Road, Lackawanna, NY 14218 or have a Mass said in her memory.

Online messages of sympathy may be left at: www.fwefh.com

Arrangements are in the care of Friedel, Williams & Edmunds Funeral and Cremation Services, New Hartford.