Virginia Ann Terpening

Virginia (Gini) Snetzer-Terpening gracefully passed away Thursday morning, February 25, 2010, at the age of 74 in Austin, Texas. She left behind a legacy of joy and an exuberance for life. She was born to Robert E. Snetzer and Kathryn Wake-Snetzer in Omaha, Nebraska on January 3, 1936. Gini was intensely proud of having been an Army "brat" as a child, then an Air Force officer's wife. She was a lifelong student, a voracious reader, and lover of travel, movies, and meeting new people. Exceptionally generous with her time, Gini was a hospice volunteer for nearly 20 years, a grief counselor, Stephens minister, scout leader, the most vocal fan at any of her kid's or grandkid's sporting events (with a cowbell, no less!), a self-described arts and crafts addict, and a wonderful writer and correspondent. Gini warmed the heart of everyone she met. You always felt better for having spent time with her. She is survived by daughter Kristin Terpening and partner Shannon Breslin; daughter Kelly Terpening-Gurley and husband Greg Gurley; son John Terpening; brother Mike Snetzer, wife Debbie, and family; grandchildren Bryan Hejl, Dana and Jordan Gurley, and Rachel and Ashley Terpening. She is preceded in death by daughter Kathryn Terpening-Hejl. A Celebration of Gini's life will be held at the Smith Family Chapel at Riverbend Church in Austin, Texas on March 2nd, 2010 at 1:00 pm. At her "Celebration", Gini's wish was for guests to wear brightly-colored clothes, and share happy memories of her, knowing that she led a joyful, wonderfully fulfilled life. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Hospice Austin in her honor.