Virginia J. Schick

Virginia Schick, of Baiting Hollow, New York, passed away on Saturday, December 28, at the age of 84. She spent her final days surrounded by her beloved family. 

Born June 30, 1940, in Brooklyn, New York, to parents Patrick and Elizabeth Asendorf, Virginia had nine siblings and is survived by Eugene and Lorraine. In 1959, she wed Henry Schick, who remained her best friend and love of her life, even after his passing in 2012. Together they had four children, Denice (John), Darlene (Mark), Dawn (Tommy), and Danny (Diane). The tight-knit family they created is a legacy passed down to the next generations. 

Virginia was affectionately known to family and friends as "Ginny" and "Babe," playful nicknames appropriate for a woman whose presence made everything from big events to everyday activities more fun. But of all her names, Virginia's favorite was "Nana." As the adored grandmother of John, Elizabeth, Chris, Mark, Kristin, Alex, and Carly, great-grandmother to India, Gino, and Elizabeth, she also became a Nana to all of their friends.

Virginia was a natural caretaker and entertainer who made everyone feel instantly welcome and cared for. She created an environment that made people want to stick around long after making the first rounds to leave. Because of this special way about her, their family home in Commack became the neighborhood hangout. Her easygoing demeanor and lively sense of humor often made strangers become friends. With the Commack Lunch Ladies, she found lifelong friendships and one of the highlights of every year was their girls' week upstate, a tradition spanning over three decades. When she and Henry moved into Saddle Lakes, they created a community that became a cherished part of her life until the end.

In February of 2024, Virginia was diagnosed with terminal brain cancer. Instead of letting the disease define her, she decided to make the most of every single day, a resolution she carried out so thoroughly that she had to make a second bucket list in July. Her insatiable love of life made her present in each moment and grateful for every day. May her memory be a reminder to live our lives to the fullest, love with all our hearts, and "dance like no one is watching."

Virginia's final resting place will be her favorite place in the world, the home she built with her Henny in Chestertown. Virginia did not believe in goodbyes. So we bid "so long" to our Ginny, our Babe, our Nana Banana. Until we meet again. 

Virginia's memorial service will be held on Saturday, January 4, 2025, at Tuthill-Mangano Funeral Home in Riverhead, New York, from 1pm to 4pm, with a prayer service at 3pm. Instead of flowers, please make donations in Virginia's name to St. Jude Children's Hospital or East End Hospice.

The family would like to extend their gratitude to East End Hospice for helping grant Virginia's final wish to spend her last days at home. A heartfelt thank you is extended to her nurses and aides for their kindness, compassion, and dedication.