Virginia Mary Kelleher

Virginia was born in Brooklyn, NY on October 20th, 1941 to her parents William and Helen. She was the youngest of four children, having three older brothers.

After graduating high school, she went on to attend St. Vincent’s Nursing school in Manhattan and graduated in 1962. While at St. Vincent’s she met many life-long friends who remained close for decades. After nursing school, she worked in the nursing profession for a number of years.

While at a local watering hole in the Hamptons she met her future husband, Garrett (Gary) Kelleher. The two were married in November, 1974. It was a controversial union being that Virginia was from Brooklyn and Gary was from Queens. Virginia and Gary had one son, Garrett, and they settled in Suffern, NY. Virginia was a stay at home Mom until her son began high school. While she was at home, she spent a number of years volunteering at a local soup kitchen. After Garrett started high school, Virginia returned to work as a nurse for the Head Start program in the Bronx. After retirement, Virginia and Gary enjoyed spending their time with friends, both near and far. Virginia was also an active member of Sacred Heart Parish including being a member of Our Lady’s Guild. In 2017, she moved to Massachusetts to be closer to Garrett and his family.

A cancer survivor of 32 years, Virginia was a woman of strong Catholic faith. She will be remembered for her kindness and willingness to help others in all aspects of her life. Virginia enjoyed all things Brooklyn. She loved to ski in her younger years and loved seeing videos of her grandson, Liam, learning to ski. While consistently claiming not to be a sports fan, she also enjoyed watching the Mets and Notre Dame football (she knew better than to concern herself with the Jets). Over the last few years, she enjoyed spending time with her young grandchildren.

Virginia is predeceased by her husband, Gary and brothers, William and Eugene. She is survived by her son Garrett, Daughter-in-law Christina, grandchildren Liam (6) and Hannah (2), her brother Jerry, Sisters-in-law Josephine and Virginia, 6 nephews, 2 nieces, numerous grand nieces and great grandnieces, and many loving friends.

Visitation will be held on Thursday, October 19, 2023 from 3-6pm at the Wanamaker & Carlough Funeral Home, 177 Rt. 59 Suffern, NY. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10:30am on Friday, October 18th at Sacred Heart Church in Suffern, NY. Burial will follow at Ascension Cemetery in Airmont, NY.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Catholic Charities Community Services of Rockland.