Landry, Virginia Kavanagh August 15, 1927 - February 14, 2024

Virginia Kavanagh Landry passed away peacefully at home on the morning of February 14th, 2024.  She was born in NYC on August 15th in 1927, daughter of Frances Josephine Hopkins and Thomas Archer Kavanagh. She was a scholarly child and enjoyed growing up with an extended family on her Hopkins line. Her father died suddenly in 1941, and not long after, she began a successful twenty-year career in print and television commercial modelling. She met husband John T. (Jack) Landry, a native of Saratoga Springs, marrying in 1948 and beginning a remarkable life together. In 1957, they moved to Cedar Knolls, just outside Bronxville, where they remained for the rest of their lives. Jack’s career forged deep bonds with horse racing and football, both of which were familiar from her father’s work during her childhood. Virginia, known as Jinny, became a mother of four to Sharon, Jennifer, Jack and Tom. In her late 60s, after a life of action and self-reliance, her fortitude was tested again when she lost her vision to misdiagnosed temporal arteritis. With support from a devoted and entertaining cadre of caregivers, she met the challenge. She was sustained also by her longtime study of the French language, piano lessons on her beloved piano, countless audiobooks (especially historical biographies), and nostalgic trips down the memory lane of music. Her love of language and role as chief grammarian never flagged. Her growing family now counts nine grandchildren and ten great-grandchildren. She was predeceased by her brother William in 1967. Her husband Jack died in 1997, and her mother Frances in 2002.  The loss of Sharon in October 2023 may have been too much for her previously indomitable spirit. Jinny’s astounding memory and intellect were impressive, as was her determination to withstand the losses she encountered in life. The family remains inspired by her and will forever love and miss the formidable and accomplished woman she was. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Aisling Irish Community and Cultural Center in Yonkers, New York, in honor of her caregivers these last 28 years.