Obituary of Virginia S. Toomey

On June 7, 2013 the community of Cortland and the world lost one of its most generous souls, Virginia Ginny Toomey who passed unexpectedly at her home in Cortland, NY. Born October 11th 1943 in Cortland, she was the second of four daughters of Alfred and Doris D. Snyder. Graduating from Cortland High in 1961- without ever missing a single day of school, she went on to attend SUNY Cortland. She was a beloved family member, friend to many, and community supporter. You may recall her if you visited the Cortland Hardware, where she began working for her sister Mary Lou in 1967 and then purchased in 1987, always offering the know how to customers to do it themselves. She liked to share her vast knowledge of plumbing and hardware with the community and also spent time teaching these skills at BOCES. You might also remember her as Uncle Sam from the many years she marched in the Dairy Parade in costume on stilts or as G the Hugging Clown where she spent many hours volunteering with area seniors and children. Her personality was unique and her generosity unparalleled in todays world. Among many others, she had an active role in the Cortland County Red Cross, Toastmasters, DAV, Moose Club and the Cortland DBA. She spent much of her time mentoring children of all backgrounds in addition to being a Girl Scout Troop Leader in her younger days. Survivors include her daughters Terri (Jeff) Ackroyd of Homer and Cheryl (Buzzy) Cody of Cortland, sister Sue (Dennis) Toolan of Groton, her former husband John Toomey, grandchildren John and Nick Cody of Cortland, niece and nephews: Julie Brown Bush and Jay Brown of Cortland and Jeffrey and Cory Toolan of Groton and many great nieces and nephew. In addition to her parents, Ginny was predeceased by her sisters Judy Brown in 1991 and Mary Lou Snyder in 2005. Calling hours are Monday 4-7 pm at the Wright-Beard Funeral Home inc., 9 Lincoln Ave., Cortland NY, 13045. Services will be Tuesday 1:30 pm at the funeral home. Burial will follow at the Cortland Rural Cemetery. Contributions may be made to the Cortland County SPCA, 879 McLean Rd., Cortland NY, 13045. To offer online condolences visit www.wright-beard.com Ginny was the poster child for generosity and selfless giving. With a perpetual friendly smile and ever-present "hug cards", she greeted the community at Dairy Parades, in the hardware store and at Girl Scout gatherings. She cared about us, and she taught us the value of paying it forward. It was a privilege to know this very special woman. Virginia Levine My prayers are with her Family and Friends. May her soul reaches the highest state and rests in blissful peace for eternity.- A friend from Toastmasters. Piyush Arvindkumar Dave Ginny was a wonder full lady.i am so sorry for the lose of your mother.god bless and take care. James f twomey Terry, Cheryl and families, We are so sorry for your loss, your Mom was a wonderful person and will be missed. God bless. Jill and Jerry Porter Teri and Cheryl, I am working and unable to attend services. I just want you to know I am very sorry for your loss. Your mom was a VERY nice lady and a good friend. Sam and Deane Fish Ginny and Mary Lou helped me tackle a lot of crazy projects at home over the course of many years. Nothing in Cortland will ever replace that business where you could find a part to a 50 year old faucet or they would fabricate parts right there for so many different things. Ginny would often offer a hug (and hug card) along with her hardware wisdom. I had the incredible honor of touring Ginny and Mary Lou around a hardware store I worked in some years ago. I felt like I was greeting visiting dignitaries. Ginny will be missed but never forgotten... Karen Robinson Ginny befriended me when I was at SUNY Cortland from 1960-1962. Ginny helped me in so many ways - taught me to drive a car, cared for Tippy (dog I found while up in Cortland) - and a zillion other acts of kindness. We visited each other and played with our children together. I have so many wonderful memories. We were all blessed to know Ginny and share her love. I send hugs in her memory to her family and friends, Freda So sorry for your loss Terri & Cheryl and families. She was such a awesome, sweet, kind lady. I hope you find comfort in your memories. God Bless, Kit To Ginny's sister & daughters we're so very sorry for your loss. We also share your loss in a smaller way. I went to school with her & spent many hrs. having fun with Ginny. Last year, & the year before we stayed with Ginny on vac. She is the most loving person I've ever known. I know she'll be missed by many people. If you want to talk to someone who also loved her you can write to me anytime. Your friend, Carolyn Bragg.