Obituary of Virginia Ann Vessa-McLaughlin

Virginia Anne Vessa-McLaughlin, 91, of Larchmont, NY, died on April 10, 2018. Virginia was born in Penn Yan, NY on February 11, 1927, daughter of Blaise and Agnes Vessa. Orphaned at a young age she went to live and be educated at The Female Academy of the Sacred Heart. Virginia received a Bachelors Degree in Social Work from Nazareth College. As part of Catholic Relief Services, Virginia ventured to Rome, Italy for two years as a social worker. She helped immigrants navigate problems with their resettlement. She enjoyed this time, becoming friendly with other CRS members and American Medical Students. They attended different cathedrals for Sunday mass and enjoyed the Opera and exploring Rome together. Virginia received her Masters in Social Work from Boston College. She moved to NYC, worked and retired, a psychiatric social worker, from Metropolitan Hospital. Virginia enjoyed traveling the world, reading and learning new things. Later in life Virginia met a fellow Oblate, Mr. George J. McLaughlin. They married and traveled to Europe where they were blessed to have an audience with Pope John Paul II and invited to attend a mass with him and seminarians. Virginia was an active member of St. Augustine's Church in Larchmont and the NY Benedictine Oblates. Virginia had two brothers, James and Benedict Vessa. Visiting hours will be Sunday April 15, 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 pm at Fox Funeral Home in Larchmont. Funeral to be held April 16, 10 am at St Augustines Church at 10am. Memorial donations may be made in Virginia's name to Franciscan Bread for the Poor, 135 W 31st St, NYC, NY 10001 or Travis Mills Foundation @ travismills.org