Name: Glueckert Funeral Home
Address: Arlington Heights, IL

Virginia Marie Skarzynski, beloved matriarch, radiant friend, and the heart and soul of her family, passed away peacefully on May 20th in Arlington Heights, Illinois, at the remarkable age of 98, 1 month short of her 99th birthday. Surrounded by the love and gratitude of her family, Virginia’s final days and years were a testament to the extraordinary life she led—a life defined by boundless love, unwavering faith, and a spirit that shone brilliantly in every room she entered.
Born and nurtured in Bridgeport, coolest neighborhood in the South Side of Chicago and home of Comiskey Park, Virginia —affectionately known as “Gigi” to those closest to her—was a beacon of warmth, wisdom, and generosity. For 65 years, she made Arlington Heights her home, transforming it into a haven of laughter, kindness, and open-hearted hospitality. Her door was always open, her table always set, and her heart always ready to welcome anyone in need of comfort or cheer.
Virginia’s devotion to her family was legendary. She was the proud and loving mother of 6 children: Jim (Elizabeth), Nancy (Bob), Michael (Jackie), Dan (Cathy), Sue, and Peter (Caren). Her 19 grandchildren and 20 great-grandchildren were the stars in her sky, each one cherished beyond measure. Gigi celebrated every milestone, every birthday, every small victory with a joy that was infectious—her pride and love for her family knew no bounds.
May her memory be a blessing, and may her remarkable life inspire us all to love more deeply, laugh more often, and live with the same grace and generosity that Virginia embodied every day.

Dear Jim, Nancy, Michael, Dan, Sue, Peter, and Family,

As the Director of Alumni Relations Emeritus, I offer you the sympathy and prayers of the Saint Viator/Sacred Heart of Mary community, as well as my own.  Our hearts go out to you as you move forward on your journey of grief.  We pray for you as you share the stories, laugh and cry, and continue to find ways to celebrate your mother and the love you shared.

As I read the obituary for  this woman who "lived a life defined by her generous spirit, deep devotion to her family, and steadfast faith in God," and whose "legacy of love and joy will live on in the lives she touched," I was reminded of the following reading adapted from the Book of Sirach. 

“Let us praise an illustrious woman,
faithful to her family and friends, strong in her love.
At peace in her heart and her world,
she has left us her good name, and we recount her life of praiseworthy deeds.
A generous woman her good works will never be forgotten.
Among her family and friends remains a rich inheritance born of her….
Her name lives on from generation to generation.
We gather to sing her praises.
We proclaim her wisdom and love of life all our days.”

May God’s promise that life is changed, not ended, comfort you!
May the knowledge your mother lives on in your goodness give you peace and hope.

God bless you with the gifts you most need!
Judy

Judith Wampach Amberg 
Saint Viator High School Director of Alumni Relations Emeritus

Dear Jim, Nancy, Michael, Dan, Sue, and Peter - your Mom was a force of nature who positively impacted all who had the good fortune to meet her.  She quite literally saved my life one high school night when I decided to drink alcohol for the first time. I woke up to your Mom’s face, equal parts disappointment and compassion.  She kept me safe, and she gave me a fierce hug that morning before I left to pay the piper.  I felt that fierce hug on my wedding day, at my Mom’s 70th birthday party where your Mom helped us pull off the surprise, at your father’s Wake, and lastly when Nancy brought her to my Mom’s Assisted Living facility.  Each of those hugs were powerful, and evidenced a boundless human love that built up the recipient.  I hope each of you remember those hugs for the rest of your days.

Virginia's  comic ability was at its best when she was exaggerating.  I often heard her say she needed a dye job for the three pieces of hair on her head!  I now use that same expression.  I look forward to her welcoming me into heaven.  She was the best friend and coworker.  My family still remembers her delicious homemade bread at Easter time.

Dear Sue, Nancy & family,
Mark & I were so very sorry to hear about your mom. It is never easy to lose the ones we love especially our parents. Prayers for you all. God Bless,

Eileen & Mark Koller

Auntie Gigi, you were certainly adored by us Miles children. Grandma Milaski, Auntie Alice you and my Dad filled in the empty spaces we needed. 
I so well remember all the get togethers we had at the Skarzynski house. Always fun with cousins and delicious food. Thank you for all the great memories! 
You’ll  be great company to all who have left us. I can hear the laughter now!!
Till we meet again Nora

Our sympathy and special prayers for Virginia and all her family and friends.

To Jim, Nancy, Michael, Dan, Sue and Peter,
God Bless you all individually and collectively and my deepest condelences on the passing of your mom.
My mom considered your mom her dearest friend.
She was simply an amazing woman who blessed me and everyone in our family and our neighborhood for all these years.
She really was the finest example of a devoted, happy, loving follower of Christ.
Her memory and legacy live on!
God Bless You now and in the years ahead.
Paul Paynter

OBITUARY

Virginia M. Skarzynski

June 17, 1926 – May 20, 2025

Glueckert Funeral Home

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