Virginia D. Wells
August 20, 1923—March 21, 2023
Highland Falls, NY
Virginia D. Wells passed away peacefully at her residence in Highland Falls, NY. She was 99 years old. Daughter of the late Peter and Caroline (Spellman) De Young. She was born on August 20, 1923, in Highland Falls, NY.
Ginny, as she preferred, married Lou Wells April 7, 1942 at St. George’s Episcopal Church in Newburgh, New York, and soon realized she had married into a military life. She dedicated herself to the rigors of a loyal Army wife and always remembered it as a rich and rewarding “career.” During their time in the Army, Ginny and Lou moved to a dozen different bases including a tour to Berlin during the 1948 Soviet blockade. They made numerous close friends in the military who became lifetime connections. After Lou’s twenty-year tour of service, the couple returned home to Highland Falls to launch their children from the same loving community that nurtured Ginny’s youth.
Back in Highland Falls, Ginny began her new 26-year career as assistant manager of the Army Ticket Office at West Point. Her loyalty and dedication continued there, and she received several awards, including the Commander’s Award for Civilian Service. Ginny committed herself to fostering an efficient yet friendly work environment where she enjoyed a large group of friends and co-workers. After retiring, she was always delighted to greet and hear how her former co-workers were doing. Ginny took life on with vigor and determination leading to her being known as the “Energizer Bunny.”
She was an active member of the Highland Falls Church of the Holy Innocents. She taught Sunday School as a teenager and contributed to church activities well into her nineties. She co-founded the Growing Old Gracefully Society and enjoyed weekly lunches with dear friends for over forty years. Another weekly event was playing Duplicate Contract Bridge as a member of the Hudson Valley Contract Bridge Association. Ginny and her partner took pride in regularly placing first or second in the group of ardent players. Ginny was an enthusiastic supporter of Army football and hockey games. She relaxed with ceramics, sewing, crocheting, bowling, theater, and most importantly regular picnics and tailgating with her large extended family. In her last years, she often expressed gratitude for the gifts of good friends and a long and rich life.
Left to cherish her memory are her loving children: Rodney L. Wells and his wife, Sandra of Cornwall, NY; Gary Wells of Harriman, TN; and Barbara Wolner and her husband, Ronald of Albany, NY; grandchildren: April Wasko (Michael), Erick Wells (Morena), Brett Wells (Susan), Sara Ellison, Bryan Wells, Grace Ligocki, Jarett Wells, William Valencia, Zackery Wolner (Ilana), Elena Wolner (Marcus Kolber), Julie DeBoer, Greg Schmeelk; great grandchildren: Jacob, Christian, Blake, Ethan, Elijah, Alana, Annalee, Liam, Nicholas, Matthew, James; and two great great grandchildren. In addition to her parents, Virginia was also predeceased by her loving husband Louis R. Wells, beloved daughter Darlene Wells, and siblings: Edward De Young, Norman De Young, Brian De Young, Lorraine Smith and Eleanor Vick.
She was particularly grateful to her aides (Ana, Kara, Vanessa) and April, her granddaughter who attended to her in the final months of her life.
A Funeral Service will begin at 10:30 a.m. on Wednesday, March 29, 2023, at Church of The Holy Innocents, 401 Main St., Highland Falls, NY 10928. Interment will follow at Eagle Valley Cemetery in Town of Highlands, NY.
Memorial contributions may be made to Church of The Holy Innocents, 401 Main St., Highland Falls, NY 10928.