Obituary of Virginia S. Fleche

Fleche, Virginia S. Irondequoit: Thursday, November 3, 2016, after a long illness. Predeceased by loving parents John L. And Rose Estelle (Knittel) Sullivan, adored brother John "Jack" (Frances) Sullivan, and dear, dear sister Marie (Hank) Moffitt. Survived by devoted and loving husband of 68 years, Edwin F. Fleche, and eight children, sons Timothy (Ellen) Fleche of Irondequoit, Michael Fleche of Irondequoit, Peter (Jean) Fleche of Fairport; and daughters Ellen (David) Whitbourne of Geneseo, Peggy Fleche and Monica Fleche, both of Irondequoit, Anne (Jane Ashley) Fleche of West Roxbury, MA, and Betsy (Diane Paxton) Fleche of Williamsburg, MA. Also survived by eight grandchildren, Andre (Meredith) Fleche of Rutland, VT; Christopher (Allison) Whitbourne of Burke, VA; Justin (Darla) Fleche of St. Petersburg, FL; Catherine (Matt) Stanley of Baltimore,MD; Margaret (Bradley) Stanley of Baltimore, MD; Alexandre (Moira) Fleche of Herndon, VA; Genevieve (Christopher) Whitbourne-Cunningham of Boston, MA; and Elizabeth Fleche of Rochester. NY. She was also very proud of her six great grandchildren, Ellianna and Ryker Whitbourne; Liam and Lennon Fleche; and Jane and Lydia Rose Stanley. Virginia grew up in St. Andrew's Parish, and lived down the street from the church and the school, which became integral parts of her life. Everyone in the extended Sullivan family knows the stories of John L. Sullivan, a boxer and Fire Chief; the O'Briens and their dairy farm; and the Sullivan family from County Cork. From her mother, Rose Estelle, Virginia inherited a strong devotion to faith and family, a sense of humor, and a lot of wonderful baking recipes! Both her parents encouraged a love of music. There was a piano in the parlor on which she accompanied herself singing Irish ballads, like "When Irish Eyes are Smiling." While attending Our Lady of Mercy High School, she sang vespers in local churches with a choir formed to reintroduce Gregorian Chant, an experience she always cherished. Another valued memory of hers was participating while in college in a Junior League of Nations and having lunch across the table from, and conversing with Eleanor Roosevelt. As a Sophomore in college she was chosen editor of the Gleaner magazine, and had already been delegate to the liturgical conference at St. Paul, MN and secretary of the college's Mission unit. Virginia graduated Magna Cum Laude from Nazareth College with dual majors in Business and Philosophy and a minor in English. Virginia's attentive older brother, Jack, introduced her to activities that she would have a passion for her whole life: horse racing, horseback riding, football and other sports. In 1962, on a visit to Arizona, they shared one last horseback ride. While Jack was an early role model for her, Virginia had the love and support of her sister, Marie in her day to day life. They shared their experiences of bringing up their families, and the care of their aging parents, John and Rose. Amid all their cares and worries, they could talk, laugh and relax over a dish of ice cream. During the war years she worked as executive secretary to the head of Optical Development at Kodak, who, in his work on siting optics for the war effort, provided her on one occasion with the unforgettable experience of riding in an army tank. Meanwhile she continued to pursue her love of the arts and literature, performing with the Holy Redeemer Theatre Guild in many roles, her favorite of which was St. Bernadette. In 1948, after peace came, she left her work at Kodak and married Edwin, moving with him to Michigan while he completed graduate studies. They had met in the "old neighborhood," where they had grown up in the same parish and a street apart. Both had attended St. Andrew's School. They dated during high school and were married in St. Andrew's Church. Theirs was a true partnership. It was always her dream and vocation to be a wife and mother, and to that she devoted her life and energy for 68 years. Virginia and Edwin decided to move back to Rochester after five years away so that their children could grow up with the experience of an extended family of grandparents, aunts, uncles, cousins and wonderful friends. Virginia took a lively interest in the Catholic Church and their missions with Native Americans, political issues of economic and social justice and in her commitment to the Democratic Party. Virginia revived her interest in Gregorian Chant in her role as Staff Writer for the Charism, the Irondequoit Senior Ministries Newsletter. In September 2010 issue, she published two articles, one a reminiscence of her high school experience singing Chant with the choir, and the other an interview with a visiting monk from Mount Saviour about the role of Chant in the life of the monastery. Virginia and Edwin served as Eucharist Ministers to nursing home residents as part of the Senior Ministries Program in Irondequoit. For decades, Virginia dedicated an hour weekly to adoration before the Blessed Sacrament at the St. Thomas The Apostle Adoration Chapel. A favorite trip pilgrimages to the Shrine of the American Martyrs in Auriesville, NY. Until the last six months of her life, she attended daily mass. Virginia was warm and full of life, love and laughter. She taught us to love music and literature and to incorporate both into our everyday lives. After Thanksgiving dinner at Nana and Grandpa's, she would play sheet music from the piano bench and we'd all sing along. "The Old Spinning Wheel " was always performed. She read to us every night - long books like Little Women and Charlotte's Web as well as picture books like "Home for a Bunny." Virginia had a beautiful voice and sang to us at bedtime or on trips in the car. Our favorites were songs from musicals, Irish folk songs and ballads, like "Danny Boy," and "My Wild Irish Rose." She often played the piano after dinner or in the late afternoons as the dinner was cooking. Virginia made sure we all got music lessons and dance lessons, (reminiscent of her one performance tap-dancing on the stage of the Dixie Theatre,) and encouraged us to be in school plays and on sports teams. After long days at work, she'd arrive in time to catch the ends of softball, soccer or football games. Virginia's Irish Catholic upbringing strengthened her faith and directed her parenting to revolve our everyday lives around the Church. We celebrated our Feast Days; we lit an Advent Wreath, sang "O Come O Come Emmanuel ," prayed the rosary together, and opened Advent Calendars; we went to midnight Mass and put up our beautiful crèche scene reverently; we fasted during Lent, and prayed the Stations of the Cross. On Holy Thursday we had a seder meal with lamb and unleavened bread. The special prayers and music of these Holy Days was totally involving and romantic and will forever be a part of our lives and identities. Virginia was a great cook. She had to be! She made three meals a day for ten people: homemade sauce and meatballs, soups, and chili cooking on the stove all day. Virginia and Edwin always cooked the dinners together. Every Sunday she baked kuchens from Nana's recipes for breakfast, then spent the afternoon baking pies for desert for dinner. She put love in everything she baked and everything she did! Virginia, who lived just shy of 94 years, never lost her interests. It will not surprise anyone who knew her to learn that in her last days she was watching the Bills-Patriots game, following the news daily, and making sure she had sent in her absentee ballot to vote for Hillary. Virginia never let dinner get in the way of an ice cream cone. She still loved music, often waking with a song, and enjoyed recordings of John McCormick (her father's favorite) and her own favorites , "Amapola" and "We Were Born To Shine, All of us Here, Because We Believe." Hers was a spirit that made a difference. Her beautiful and extraordinary life was one of joy-filled faith, love and selfless dedication. These are the gifts that endure. A Funeral Mass will be celebrated Saturday November 12, 9:30am at St. Kateri at St. Margaret Mary Church, Irondequoit. Interment at Holy Sepulchre Cemetery. In memory of Virginia memorial donations may be directed to St. Joseph's Indian School, PO Box 300, Chamberlain, SD 57325 or Catholic Bishops of Northern Alaska, 1312 Peger Road, Fairbanks, AK 99709. To share a memory or send the family a condolence, please visit www.harrisfuneralhome.com.