Virginia Mary Zima Jedziniak

Virginia “Ginny” Zima Jedziniak, 88, of Wethersfield, truly beloved wife of the late Chester “Chet” Jedziniak with whom she now reunites on their journey through eternity, passed away on October 12, 2025. Ginny’s life story is one of dignity, loyalty, faith, perseverance and service, all of the highest order. She adored her family and they prized her in return.

Ginny will be deeply missed by her devoted and cherished daughter Sandra Jedziniak whose enduring and protective wing, grounded in love, shielded Ginny throughout her later years, by Sandra’s husband Jeremy Mellitz, and their treasured twin daughters, Jade and Lily, with whom she shared an especially close and joyful bond, all of Guilford, as well as her faithful and loving son Walter Jedziniak and his wife Renee Jedziniak of East Hampton, and their loved daughters Carolyn (Tim) Lynch of New York, Marissa of Vermont, and Ava of East Hampton. Ginny also leaves her sisters, Madelyn (Gerald) Martinez and Wallene (Richard) Antalik, along with nieces, nephews, grand nieces, grand nephews, and a wealth of extended family members and friends, all of whom she loved and respected and who enriched her long life.

Ginny was born on December 27, 1936, forever thereafter both celebrating and rueing how close her birthday was to Christmas. She was the eldest of the three daughters of the late Mary (Dlubac) Zima Zimmer and Walter Zima and grew up in Wethersfield and visited her large extended family in Collinsville frequently. She was the eldest of her family’s generation of an enormous number of cousins and was renowned among them for her grace, humor and intellect.

She attended Charles Wright School, graduated from Wethersfield High School, earned a teaching degree from St. Joseph’s College and later, in her 50’s—true to her lifelong commitment to service and learning—earned a master’s degree from Central Connecticut State University in Teaching English as a Second Language (TESLA).

In 1960, Ginny married Chet. They were a dynamic couple who together created a steadfast and unconditionally loving marriage for nearly 50 years. They built their own home in Wethersfield, a source of great pride and joy, where countless family memories were made. Ginny was a constant and devoted caregiver to Chet through his many years of illness, always providing care with unwavering strength and compassion. Together, they raised Sandy and Walter in a home filled with love.

Ginny began her teaching career in Granby before joining the Wethersfield Public School System and later becoming the Latin teacher at Conard High School in West Hartford. There, she developed and expanded the Latin program over more than 20 years. She made such an indelible mark on generations of pupils that even in her most advanced years, she received warm handwritten correspondence from former students.

She also tutored privately, taught religious education at Sacred Heart Church and, putting her master’s degree in TESLA to practical use, taught English to recent immigrants in Hartford at the Jubilee House. Ginny was a born educator who gave her students not just knowledge, but confidence.

Ginny’s civic-mindedness shone through her lifelong dedication to faith and community. She and Chet were married at Corpus Christi Church in Wethersfield, and she remained a devoted communicant of the Catholic Church throughout her life. For over 30 years, she served as a lector at Sacred Heart Church and was a respected leader of both the Mothers’ Circle and the Ladies Guild. Beyond her parish, Ginny volunteered as a Brownie leader for the Girl Scouts and as a docent for the Wethersfield Historical Society, where she shared her deep love of local history. She received immense satisfaction from her volunteerism.

Ginny was a complete person with diverse interests and a rich love of life. She found joy, camaraderie, and lifelong fellowship in her cherished Crewel Group (an embroidery circle built on creativity and mutual support among women), which she helped found and faithfully participated in for more than 60 years. She loved solving puzzles, especially cryptograms and the Jumble—so much so that Sandy often received phone calls for a “second opinion” on clues. (This was serious business.) Ginny was also known for gifting complex, framed puzzles of 500 to 1,000 pieces, each one carefully completed by her, to family and friends.

A voracious reader, Ginny enjoyed mysteries and books on personal growth and spirituality. She raised award-winning African violets, adored cats (but never dogs), and was a passionate fan of UConn Huskies women’s basketball, attending games with Walter whenever she could and never missing a televised one—ever.

Proud of her Polish heritage, Ginny often expressed it through music. In her younger years, she played fife in the Colonel John Chester Fife and Drum Corps, mastered the accordion at home, and moved like a cat across the dance floor with feline grace whenever a polka struck up. Through her love of music, dance, and tradition, Ginny held fast to the cultural roots that shaped her.

Ginny will be remembered for so many things: her intellect, generosity and warmth; her firm devotion to family and faith; her belief in the transformative power of education; and the way she lived her life guided by the words omnia vincit amor—“love conquers all.”

Of all her many roles and accomplishments, the one she cherished most was being a devoted grandmother. She was ever-present, endlessly supportive, and always ready with wisdom, encouragement, and unconditional love. Her lessons of kindness, gratitude, and grace will continue to guide her granddaughters—and generations to come.

Ginny and her family will be forever grateful for the kindness and efforts of the caregivers who helped shepherd her through her final years.

Donations may be made in Ginny’s honor to the Wethersfield Historical Society at Wethersfieldhistory.org website.

The family will receive relatives and friends on Monday, October 27th from 8:30-10:15 a.m. at the D’Esopo Funeral Chapel, 277 Folly Brook Blvd, Wethersfield. There will be a service of remembrance at the Funeral Home at 10:15. A Mass of Christian Burial will follow at 11:30 a.m. at Corpus Christi Church of Christ the King Parish, 601 Silas Deane Highway, Wethersfield. Burial will follow in The Village Cemetery, 1 Marsh Street, Wethersfield. To share a memory of Virginia, please visit www.desopofuneralchapel.com

Due to allergic reactions of family members to fragrances and smells, visitors are strongly encouraged to avoid wearing perfumes, colognes and other strong fragrant sources.