Virginia S. Relyea

GUILDERLAND - Virginia Dorothy "Ginny" Relyea (Siver), 93, formerly of Guilderland, New York and more recently of Seminole, Fl. (1992-2011), passed away on Monday, December 29, 2014 at the Bishop's Glen Retirement Community, Holly Hill, Florida, where she resided for three years.

Born in Guilderland on June 23, 1921, she was the youngest child of the late William Thomas Siver (1939) and Jennie Louise Merritt (1948). She was predeceased by her former husband, Robert A. Relyea (2001), and her six siblings: William Thomas Siver (1975), Louise May Siver Hockford (1956), Milton Dean Siver (1955), Edwin Wood Siver (2001), Thomas Holmes Siver (1985) and Norton Appleton Siver (1987). She is survived by her loving children, Robert "Bob" (Frances) Relyea, Jr. of Camden Park, Australia and Dorothy "Dottie" (Fred) Macfee of Ormond Beach, Florida who lovingly managed her care for the last several years. She was blessed to have nine grandchildren, through her son, Bob: Daniel R. Relyea, John M. Relyea, Rebecca J. Relyea, Debby R. Griffiths, and Ruby Higgins, all of whom live in Australia; and through her daughter, Dottie: Timothy M. Houle (Portland, OR), Heather A. Houle Barbagallo (Castleton, NY), Jeffrey J. Houle (California, MD) and Jennifer L. Houle (Central Bridge, NY).

She was very proud of her children and grandchildren as well as her many nephews and nieces who survive her, who often remarked about her being a lovely person, so full of life. While in Florida she was often visited by her son and daughter, her U.S. grandchildren, and her U.S. great granddaughter, Alexyss Houle of Central Bridge, NY. She travelled to Australia five times to see her son, Bob, and his five children. She was also blessed to have 21 great-grandchildren. Ginny was a popular and much respected secretary in the Guilderland School District for almost 30 years, having often been commended for her efficient work and friendly nature. Throughout her life she was an excellent communicator, some examples being the fact that she wrote a letter to her husband and each of her brothers in the service during the Second World War every day. In more recent times she exchanged emails with her son, Bob, and daughter, Dottie, every day for 12 years until her advancing age made it impossible to continue. While they were in grade school, her children, Bob and Dottie, were encouraged to have a mother who involved herself with their education and the "extra" school activities, such as baking for school events and serving on various committees. Although falling a bit short of her long-standing goal of "living to be 100", she enjoyed her retirement very much, especially her years in Florida. She will be missed by friends and family alike.

A funeral service will be held at 3:30 p.m. Saturday, January 10, 2015 at New Comer Funeral Home, 343 New Karner Road, Colonie. A wake will precede the service from 2:00 to 3:30 p.m. on Saturday. Friends and family are invited. Burial will be held at Prospect Hill Cemetery in Guilderland at the convenience of the family.

In lieu of flowers, Ginny would prefer a donation in her memory to Guilderland School's charity. Donations may be sent to Michael Laster, Principal; Farnsworth Middle School; 6072 State Farm Rd.; Guilderland, NY 12084. Please note "In Memory of Virginia Relyea for the Organic Garden/Butterfly Program".