M. Virginia French

Wellsburg, NY - M. Virginia French, 98 of Rotary Road, Chemung, NY died in her home on August 30, 2009. Many of her family and friends had spent time together with her during the last week. Virginia was born on July 27, 1911 in Hornell, NY to Fernley and Bernice (Garrabrant) Price. The family moved back to the area the next year. Virginia has been a long time resident of Chemung, NY. Virginia was a graduate of Waverly High School Class of 1929 and then attended Horseheads Normal School and was Valedictorian of the class in 1930. She taught for six years in one room school houses in Putt Hill, Hickstown and Beantown. On July 24, 1937 she married Rodney French and started her life as a dairy farmer's wife. Virginia and Rodney celebrated 51 years together prior to Rodney's death on March 30, 1988. They raised their three boys and one daughter and when the children entered college Virginia returned to teaching at Chemung Elementary School teaching second grade for fourteen years. She was a member of the Chemung United Methodist Church, Chemung Grange and Farm Bureau. She found joy in playing the piano and played up until she became ill. She was deeply involved with her family and community. She was predeceased by her husband Rodney, three sisters, Frances O'Toole, Phylis Gere and Lois Mulock, her grandsons, Joel French and Brett Schrankel and great-granddaughter, Morgan French. Survivors include her children, Dudley (Linda) French, Diane( Jay) Van Wormer, Stephen (Barb) French, Marshall( Nancy) French, grandchildren, Jenny (Dave) Yates, Jill (Jason) Miller, Joy (Jeff) Wood, Marcella (Gregory) Anglisano, Peter (Bess) Witcosky, Alyssa Van Wormer, Jaynee Van Wormer, Peter Schrankel, John (Stacy) French, Phillip Snell, Derek Williamson, great-grandchildren, Nolan, Preston, Ivy, Keaton Yates, Colton, Peyton, Paige Miller, Brett Schrankel, Emily, A.J., Kylie French, nieces, nephews and friends. Calling hours are Saturday, September 5, 2009 from 11 to 1 PM at the Chemung United Methodist Church. A memorial service will be held at the conclusion of calling hours at 1 PM in the church with Reverend Dan Burgess and Reverend Jim Carr officiating. Burial will be at the Chemung Cemetery. Arrangements are under the direction of the Roberts Funeral Home, Inc. 279 Main Street, Wellsburg, New York. Memorial donations may be made to the Chemung United Methodist Church, P.O. Box 72 Chemung, NY 14825, Elmira Habitat for Humanity, 94 Carrollton Street, Elmira, NY 14905, Compassion International, P.O. Box 65000, Colorado Springs, CO 80962 or to the Christian Camp Fund at Lamoka Lake, NY.