Virginia S. Kendall

ALBANY – Virginia S. Kendall (Ginny), 89, entered eternal peace on Friday, June 5, 2009 at St. Peter's Nursing and Rehabilitation Center, surrounded by her loving family. Virginia was born on March 6, 1920 in Albany and was the daughter of the late William and Mildred (Long). Virginia was a caring and loving daughter, mother, aunt, sister, grandmother, great grandmother, teacher, friend and most importantly a human being.

Virginia went above and beyond in everything she did and left a lasting impression with everyone she came into contact with. Unlike many born in her generation, Virginia was given the opportunity to attend college, where it became evident that she would overcome any obstacle that may exist for women at the time as well as exceed all expectations. She received her B.S. degree from Ithaca College and went on to obtain her Master's Degree from the State University of New York at Albany. She began her career as a Physical Education instructor in Lewiston, NY during World War II and was responsible for teaching all students Kindergarten – 12th grade as well as coached intramurals, varsity sports and cheerleading. After several years, Virginia moved back to Albany and taught at Philip Livingston Junior High School, where she remained for over 30 years until retiring in 1977.

While teaching, Virginia fought for improved conditions, courses and activities for her students and worked with businesses to send talented and underprivileged students to college. Her contributions to the City of Albany were recognized in 1970 by the Albany Chamber of Commerce when she was selected as Teacher of the Year. In addition to teaching, Virginia was an ambassador for her profession. She was an active member of the New York State Association for Health, Physical Education, Recreation and Dance (NYS-AHPERD) where she spent countless hours serving on committees, organizing conferences and bringing an almost defunct Capital Zone region back to life. In 1969, she was awarded the Zone Award for her dedicated service. Moving beyond her region, Virginia extended her expertise and service to the State level, serving on a number of committees. After retiring, Virginia continued to volunteer at NYS-AHPERD and became a member of the Albany Retired Teachers Association. She was instrumental in organizing retirees and served as their President and on the Executive Committee for many years. In 1981, Virginia was honored by the State and was the recipient of the State Service Award. Words and awards could not begin to describe her dedication and character, so in 2000 the Retiree Section of the New York Association for Health, Physical Education, Recreation and Dance instituted an award named in her honor – the Virginia Kendall Golden Years Award.

The same tireless dedication shown toward her career and students was also reflected in her devotion to her family, whom will miss her dearly. Raising her four children single-handedly was a difficult task, but Virginia did it with a smile and instilled the values that she believed in and that made her remarkable woman she was. Virginia always made time for weekly visits to her parents, daytrips with nieces, visits to elderly aunts and uncles and still managed to be there for her friends and students when they needed a helping hand.

Virginia was blessed with 14 grandchildren who became the center of her world. The love and devotion she had for them was unprecedented. She was always there to wipe a tear, give a kiss, cheer them on at a game or pick them up from school. The family looked forward all year to visiting their home away from in New Hampshire for three weeks with her, where she met life long friends. Most recently Ginny became the great-grandmother to her sixth great-grandchild. Even as her mobility and health began failing, her love and concern for others kept her going. Virginia's bright eyes, warm smile and wit became the best part of the day for the caring staff at St. Peter's Rehabilitation Center and Nursing Home. The cherished memories of her that her family and friends have will forever be her legacy.

Virginia is survived by her children, William Kendall and Richard (Holly)Kendall, her son-in-law, Tom Dulin; her daughter-in-law, Linda (LeMon) Kendall; her grandchildren, Danielle (Dan) Lucarelli, Amanda (Brian) Vennard, Thomas Boshea (Rebecca Williams), Chelsea K. Dulin, Jaime, Jesse, Jason and Sarah Kendall, Lishelle, Kendon and Tiffany Fazzone and Colby Kendall, and Ryan and Kacie Kendall; her brother Kenneth Seifert, her great grandchildren, Soleil, Gemma and Jolie Virginia Lucarelli and Micah, Wyatt and Juliette Vennard and many nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by her daughter, Pamela Lee Kendall Dulin and her son, Thomas M. Kendall and her brother William Seifert, Jr.

Funeral services will be held on Friday at 11 AM at the First Church in Albany, 110 N. Pearl Street, Albany. Interment will follow at St. John's Lutheran Cemetery in Colonie. Calling hours will be held on Thursday from 5 to 8 p.m. at New Comer-Cannon Funeral Home, 343 New Karner Rd., Colonie (Rt. 155-south of Central Ave.).
Memorial contributions may be made to St. Peter's Nursing and Rehabilitation Center, 301 Hackett Blvd., Albany, NY 12208 or to Community Hospice of Albany, 445 New Karner Rd., Albany, NY 12205 in memory of Virginia S. Kendall.