Obituary of Virginia A. Schilling

Elmira: Age 87, passed away at her home, surrounded by her loving children, on Sunday, July 12, 2015. Jini was born on January 9, 1928, at home, in Buffalo NY a daughter of Russell J. and Sarah (Brainard) Gies. She was predeceased by her husband of 58 years, Richard L. "Dick" Schilling, Sr., on January 13, 2009; son Steven L. Schilling in 2014; sisters, Margaret Samson and Helen Fetzek; brother Walter Gies; childhood friend and sister-in-law M. Dolores Comer Bowser. Jini is survived by her children, with their spouses, Richard L. & Barbara Schilling of Oswego NY, Mary Jennifer & Bruce Strong of Elmira, Mark R. & Sydney Schilling of Stevensville MD, Sara J. & Mark Aspenwall of Elmira, Kurt M. & Suzanne Schilling of Rochester NY, Matthew J. & Bonnie Schilling of Elmira, Julia M. & Dennis Morien of Boynton Beach FL, Margaret A. & Edilberto Porcaro of Delray Beach FL, Kelley M. Schilling-Schuld & Brent Schuld of Elmira, Brett A. & Theresa Schilling of Broad Run VA; daughter-in-law Elizabeth Schilling (Steven's wife) of Grasonville MD; 25 grandchildren and 11 great-grandchildren. Jini is also survived by brother Russell Gies of Buffalo; brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law, Edward A., Jr. and Phyllis Schilling of Florida, Judith and William Gorman of Kenmore NY, Ronald Bowser of North Tonawanda NY; special cousin J. Richard Anderson of Cortland; along with many other cousins, nieces and nephews. A devout Roman Catholic, Jini was devoted to the Blessed Mother. She attended Catholic schools in Buffalo, and was baptized and married in St. Margaret's Church. Guided by her great faith, Jini, along with her husband Dick, raised their family of 11 children. As a longtime communicant of Our Lady of Lourdes Church she was involved in many parish activities, including being a member and past president of the Rosary Altar Society. She was always ready to help others in any way she could. Jini was known for her great sense of humor and quick wit. Jini had a wide circle of friends and enjoyed entertaining in her home. She especially enjoyed her "lunch bunch." Jini was the number one fan of Perry Como, loved the color red, white vanilla ice cream, old classic movies, carnations and gardenias. She lived life to the fullest and will be greatly missed. Friends are invited to McInerny Funeral Home, 502 W. Water Street, Elmira, Wednesday, July 15, 2015 from 2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. and 7:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. A prayer service will be held at the funeral home on Thursday, July 16, 2015 at 11:00 a.m., followed by a Mass of Christian Burial, 12:00 noon, Our Lady of Lourdes Church. Close and personal friend, Father Dennis Bonsignore will preside. Those wishing may remember Jini with a donation to Care First, 3805 Meads Creek Road, Painted Post NY 14870-9509, Guthrie Center for Wound Care, One Guthrie Square, Sayre PA 18840.