Obituary of Virginia M. Gush

Age 94, formerly of 230 Kingsbury Avenue, passed away Tuesday, December 16, 2014. She was born February 9, 1920 in Hoboken NJ the daughter of William and Anna (Gallagher) White. Virginia married Stanley Gush on January 12, 1946 and together they made a loving home for their family. She is predeceased by Stan and by her brother Donald White. Virginia will be sadly missed, but lovingly remembered by her family….daughters and sons-in-law, Regina and Michael Richards of Corning NY, Kathleen and Kevin O'Buckley of Alfred NY; cousin Dennis (Linda) Murray of Mansfield PA; grandchildren, Cathleen Richards, Michaleen (John) Lehman of Corning, Mark (Joyce) Richards of St. Augustine FL, Matthew (Sheila) Richards of Shelby NC, Kevin (Coral) O'Buckley of Poughquag NY, Megan (Kevin) Fitzgerald of Fairport NY, Peter (Robin Barnes) Foreman-Murray of Philadelphia PA, Erin Foreman-Murray of Vienna, Austria, Scott (Lindsay) Foreman-Murray of New York City; great-grandchildren, John and Shane Lehman, Collin, Caleb, Emily, Aiden and Ethan Richards, Cardin, Nori and ConniAnn Richards, Ryan and Reilly O'Buckley, Anna, Rory and Teagan Fitzgerald. Also surviving is Virginia's niece Mary Ann White. Virginia was a beloved wife, mother, daughter, sister, aunt, grandmother, great grandmother, cousin and friend. She was an ocean lover, storyteller, front porch sitter, spaghetti sauce stirrer, serious shopper, lipstick wearer, determined driver, television watcher, lullaby singer, baby rocker, patient listener, and encouraging whisperer. She was our fashionable Honey, a Jersey girl, idea woman, Bendel buyer, cold cream wearer, éclair sharer, posture reminder, purse toter, and memory keeper. We will always see her - Irish eyes flashing, fondly laughing, wine sipping, coffee loving, gently nudging and so family proud. She was our soft place to fall. Virginia was a communicant of St. Casimir's Church, a member of the Rosary and Sacred Heart Society, Ladies Division of the Hibernians, the American Legion Auxiliary, a volunteer for the March of Dimes, and the Girl Scouts of America. Her first job was always her family, as she never failed to be there when needed. Her grandchildren made her days so sweet. We knew we were loved and never doubted her pride in us. We felt the same about her. Virginia continued to give to all of us, even when she became unable to communicate with words. She gave us the gift of "remembering". As we sat beside her bed, we recalled the mom with the beautiful hair, the manicured fingernails and the always present red lipstick. We remembered if we needed a friend or helper, she came to the door with hands ready to hold or work. If we were frightened or worried she comforted us and let us know she would be there for us. And so we had the privilege of caring for her in the end. We sat and talked and eased her journey. Our family had time to tell her what she meant to each of us. That was her final gift. Friends are invited to McInerny Funeral Home, 502 W. Water Street, Elmira on Sunday, December 21, 2014 from 2:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. A prayer service will be held there on Monday, December 22, 2014 at 9:15 a.m., followed by Virginia's Mass of Christian Burial at 10:00 a.m., St. Casimir's Church. Interment, with committal prayers, will take place at St. Peter & Paul's Cemetery. We would like to offer our sincere gratitude to the staff of the Chemung County Nursing Facility, 3rd floor, who cared so lovingly and compassionately for our mother. Our special thanks to Dr. Francisco Corbalon for his amazing support and expertise in his treatment of our mother, to Catherine DeMember, Cindy Evans, and all of the people who helped her through the long journey and made her time with you so happy and fulfilling. We call you her "angels" and express profound appreciation for your unfailing kindness and tenderness. Your work is appreciated. Thank you will never be enough. The family will provide flowers. Those wishing may remember Virginia with a donation to the Chemung County Nursing Facility Resident Activity Fund, 103 Washington St., Elmira NY 14901. Officers and members of the Ladies Division of the Ancient Order of Hibernians will meet at McInerny Funeral Home on Sunday, December 21st at 2:00 p.m. to conduct a service for our sister, Virginia. Signed, Laura O'Herron, President.