Virginia "Gin" L. VanDyke

Virginia L. “Gin” VanDyke, 64, of Athens, PA, passed away at home with her family by her side on Thursday, October 5, 2023 following her bravely fought battle against cancer.

She was born on June 20, 1959 in Elmira, NY, the daughter of the late Paul and Laura (Hoose) VanDyke of whom she loved dearly and was so proud to say she was their daughter.

Virginia was a family person, whose children were her shining light. She was the proudest grandmother who lived to see or hear about her grandchildren and great grandchildren. She loved camping and, on many occasions, loaded the grandchildren in her van and away they would go on their adventures. The other love of her life was her faithful dog companion, Prada, who was always at her side and taken care of by Gin, like she was another kid. She loved gardening and the beauty of flowers. She enjoyed canning and visiting with friends and family even during her illness, she would say, yes, come on down. She loved to visit with anyone she ran into even if she had never met them before, she had a very giving nature, and all that had ever met her would say she was a beautiful soul but was one who always spoke her mind.

She had very strong work ethics which she always attributed to her parents. She worked a variety of different jobs. While her children were younger, she was employed with Pudgie’s Pizza, and for many years in the Dietary Department at Robert Packer Hospital. In addition, she would very proudly tell you she drove truck for different companies, and cleaned for many businesses, including the Lowery Funeral Home and Reese’s Restaurant for many years, prior to her health prohibiting her from continuing.

In addition to her parents, she is predeceased by her grandson Ryan James VanDyke, brother Ron VanDyke, and brother-in-law Richard Barber.

Virginia is survived by her daughter and son-in-law Melissa and Chad Belles of Owego, NY, sons and daughters-in-law Michael and Faith VanDyke of Milan, PA and Jamie and Christina VanDyke of Athens, PA, her beloved grandchildren Austin (Zena), Jason, Cheyenne (Brighton), Shannon (Cody), Amber, Michael, Breana, Aaron, Shelby-Lynn, Jacob, and Dakota, her great grandchildren whom she adored Laura, Colton, Arabella, Aurora, Lakelynn, Benjamin, and Emberleigh, her sister Cindy (Joe) Barber, Dean (Tara) VanDyke, Tom VanDyke, Wayne (Nancy) VanDyke and sister-in-law who was like another sister Mary VanDyke, and “her Prada”. She is also survived by her Uncle Larry VanDyke, aunts Judy VanDyke, Grace VanDyke, Alice Monroe, Florence Hoose, Beatrice Hoose, “Aunt” Tina VanDyke, and other aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, cousins, and many friends including those that were special to her over the years Skip Fegley, the Lowery Family, Linda Rogers, Renee and Rick Kithcart, and the Reese Family.

Friends and family may call on Sunday, October 8, 2023, from 12pm to 1pm at the Lowery-Urban Funeral Home and Cremation Services, Inc., Athens, PA. A Celebration of “Ginny’s” Life will follow at 1pm with her dear friend Rev. Linda Rogers officiating.

Memorial donations may be made in Virginia’s memory to Lowery-Urban Funeral Home, 225 South Main Street, Athens, PA 18810 to help the family offset the expenses. The family would like to give special thanks to the 5th floor Oncology Department and the Radiation Team at Robert Packer Hospital for the excellent care given to their loved one and helping to keep her positive in her fight.

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