Virginia Mary Irwin (nee McIntee), a Larchmont resident of 64 years, beloved wife,

mother, grandmother and great grandmother, passed away peacefully on May 20th,

2026, at the age of 91 surrounded by family. She was predeceased by her husband and

great love, John. She is survived by five loving children and their spouses and partners:

John Irwin, Michael Irwin and Jenny Schwartz, Charlie and Mary Beth Irwin, Fran and

Erin Irwin, Mary Irwin and Jeff Kwait; 15 adoring grandchildren, Sean, Maddy, Jack,

Charlie, Joey, Kieran, Julia, Caroline, Bella, Henry, James, Charlotte, Spencer, Brooke,

and Sloane; two great grandchildren, James and Evelyn; her devoted and incredibly

supportive sister Joan McIntee and many nieces, nephews and dear friends each of

whom have warm and indelible memories of this dynamic, authentic and amusing

woman.

Born on May 15, 1935, Virginia “Ginnie” Irwin was the eldest of three daughters of the

late Francis and Josephine McIntee and sister of the late Claire Ann McIntee. She first

lived in Pelham Manor and later resided at 85 Mountain Avenue in New Rochelle.

Virginia graduated from the Ursuline School in New Rochelle and Marymount College in

1956. She married John in June 1957 and moved to Fort Knox, KY to be with him

during his military service.

Following John’s service, they moved to Eastchester where the first three Irwin boys

came in quick succession, and in 1962 settled at 18 Prospect Avenue. By age 29,

Virginia had born five children in six years (good thing Mary was a girl!). The Irwin home

became a neighborhood gathering place for the Irwin kids and their friends, as well as a

stop on the local adult party circuit for John and Virginia’s many friends.

Virginia’s life and career choices reflected a belief in shared humanity, social

responsibility, justice and equality. In the mid-1970s, Virginia started work at BOCES in

an alternative education program for at-risk youth and later was recruited to join the

newly established Youth Shelter Program of Westchester, a residential alternative to jail

for non-violent youthful offenders located in Mt. Vernon. Ultimately becoming its co-

director, this program spared many young men general adult prison populations while

awaiting trial. Virginia later taught adult literacy at Westchester County correctional

facility.

Virginia loved her life in Larchmont, where she lived close to her parents and sisters and

made many lifelong friendships. She was involved in the St. Augustine’s church

community and enjoyed playing tennis and paddle tennis. Achieving balance as a

working mom was no small task, but she and John somehow made it work with love and

support, giving their kids incredibly fond childhood memories. For over 60 years Virginia

spent summers in Old Saybrook where she entertained family and friends and indulged

her love of sun worshiping and avid interest in reading. In their later years, John and

Virginia wintered in Key Biscayne.

Virginia was an early feminist and a formidable woman, a veritable dynamo whose

energy, physical strength and strong will were legendary. Virginia was the much-loved

matriarch of the Irwin clan, the center of four generations and her passing feels

monumental for her family. Virginia was a tough cookie with a compassionate center:

those who entered her sphere will miss her often unsolicited straight talk dished up with

genuine interest, fierce loyalty, kindness and love. She had a strong connection with

each grandchild and great grandchild despite their number and considerable age

difference, as she made a point to stay involved in each one’s life, making each feel

special and cared for. They all adored her.

John’s death was tough on Viriginia. She missed him intensely, but she did her best for a

long time to carry on. She showed strength through much pain and physical challenge at the

end of her life and left this world as she lived her life - with colorful language and on her own terms.

Memorial contributions may be made to The American Cancer Society or Youth Shelter Program of

Westchester,a cause that was especially meaningful to our family.

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