Virginia "Ginny" Townsend

Virginia "Ginny" Townsend, a long-time resident of Montour Falls, passed away peacefully on July 5, 2026, at Schuyler Hospital in Montour Falls at the age of 95.

Born on July 30, 1931, to her mother, the late Mabel Davenport, Ginny lived a full life defined by dedication to her family and a strong work ethic. She held a number of jobs throughout her life, always stepping up to do what was needed. She is perhaps best known in the community for the 30 years she spent as a rural route driver for the Elmira Star Gazette. Rain or shine, Ginny reliably navigated the country roads, ensuring her neighbors received their daily news and becoming a familiar, friendly face to many.

Beyond her hard work and devotion to her family, Ginny will be remembered for her fun spirit and many talents. Music was a source of joy in her life. Having taken organ and piano lessons as a child, she cultivated a lifelong pleasure of playing. She shared her music with her community, playing the organ at her church and occasionally providing dinner music at area establishments. At home, she spent countless happy hours at the keys of her cherished Hammond organ.

Ginny never lost touch with her inner child. A lover of all kinds of games, she was just as likely to be found playing video games like Wii bowling as she was a classic game of dominoes. In fact, she always kept a set of dominoes in her car—ready just in case she could find a willing opponent for an impromptu game. Her warmth and unpretentious spirit made her a beloved staple at the Senior Service Center in Montour Falls. For many years, she thoroughly enjoyed the lunches there, sharing meals, stories, and laughter with her many friends.

Her sense of adventure extended far beyond the game board. Ginny possessed a fearless and surprising love for thrills, proving that age is just a number. She was a huge fan of high-intensity amusement park rides and loved traveling to Walt Disney World and as well amusement parks in New York state and New Jersey. She eagerly braved attractions like the Tower of Terror and the Rock 'n' Roller Coaster, and when it came to thrill rides, she had one rule: the scarier the better!

Her perseverance, spunky spirit and love will live on through her family. She is survived by her beloved Yorkshire Terrier Coco, son John (Lisa) Townsend of Clinton NJ, daughter Cate (Vince) Mazzarella of Ithaca NY, daughter Lynda (Leon) Kochian of Ithaca NY, sister Dori Copas of Faribault, Minnesota, and son-in-law Bill Myers of Union Springs, NY as well as 9 grandchildren and 9 great grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her mother, Mabel Davenport, her daughter Nancy (Bill) Myers, her sister, Marie Perkins and her son-in-law, Vincent (Cate) Mazzarella.

Relatives and friends are invited to call on Monday, July 20, 2026 from 10-11a.m. at Vedder-Scott & Zinger Funeral Home, 122 N. Genessee St., Montour Falls, NY. Her memorial service will begin at 11a.m. Burial will follow at the Montour Cemetery, 174-198 Mill St., Montour Falls, NY.