ALBANY – Virginia C. Andes (nee: Settanny), 84, died on Wednesday, December 30, 2009 at The Hospice Inn at St. Peter's Hospital. She faced her illness with unprecedented courage and strength and with faith in her savior, Jesus Christ.
Born in Troy on December 14, 1925, she is the beloved wife and best friend of John P. Andes; loving mother of Jeffrey, Patricia and Kathleen; seven grandchildren, Lisa Illenz, Jennifer Brew, Nicole Hitchcock, Daniel Conley, Michael Conley, Zachary Andes and Katie Andes, and seven great-grandchildren, Jacob Brew, Cassandra Fleischer, Samantha Illenz, Austin Hitchcock, Lily Hitchcock, Nicholas Illenz and Sara Isabella Conley. She is also the sister of Rosemary Fazio and Theodore and John Settanny.
Virginia or "Gin" as many knew her, in addition to her first love as wife and mother, excelled in golf, bowling and bridge. Her husband's career entailed many moves from New Jersey to Buffalo to California and finally to Albany where she resided at Avila, a senior retirement community for the past 5 years.
Her husband, family and friends were her reason for living. She was never so happy as when she could have her three children and their families together. The mere mention of her children or grandchildren would always bring a special smile to her face. She was loved and will forever be missed.
Funeral services will be held at 9:15 a.m. Friday from New Comer Cannon Funeral Home, 343 New Karner Rd., Colonie (Rt. 155-south of Central Ave.) then to Christ the King Church where a Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10:00 a.m. Calling hours will be held on Thursday from 4:00 to 7:00 p.m. at the funeral home. The parish family of Christ the King Church will gather at 4:30 p.m. for a service of prayer and remembrance. All are welcome. Interment will take place at the Gerald B.H. Solomon Saratoga National Cemetery in Schuylerville.
In lieu of flowers, please make donations in Virginia's name to The American Cancer Society, 260 Osborne Rd., Loudonville, NY 12211.