Obituary of Virginia Marie Dowicz

Virginia Marie Dowicz passed away peacefully on August 23, 2021, surrounded by her loving family. An alumna of Fordham University and Columbia Business School, Gina worked at Drexel Burnham Lambert, advancing to head of the Retail Trading Desk. Decisive, intelligent, and successful, Gina filled her family and friends with awe and pride at her many accomplishments.

The middle child of seven close-knit siblings, Gina was born and raised in Yonkers, New York to the late Theresa and David Ross. Throughout her life, Gina’s siblings were also her closest friends, and they shared their devotion to family with the next generation, passing down many holiday traditions and childhood stories from the Yonkers years. Over the course of her life, Gina instilled the importance of family in her children, nieces, and nephews.

It is impossible to think of Gina without also thinking of Chris, her loving husband of twenty-nine years, who predeceased Gina in May 2021. Gina and Chris met at Fordham University as undergraduates, and what united the couple most was their shared devotion to family. Throughout Gina’s battle with cancer since the spring of 2019, Chris was completely self-giving, graciously sharing in the burden of her sickness, and never wavering in his devotion to her. Above all else, Gina and Chris loved their children, Christopher, David, and Mary Elizabeth, who provided them with unspeakable joy. They were so proud of them, deeply appreciating their unique qualities and talents.

Throughout her life, Gina was a devoted Catholic. Gina and her family attended Mass at Saints John and Paul Church in Larchmont, New York. At her parish, Gina was a Catechism (CCD) instructor for over fifteen years. Throughout her battle with cancer, her faith remained strong.  She always expressed her heartfelt gratitude to those who prayed for her, illustrated by her final trip outside of her own home, a visit to the Dominican Sisters at Corpus Christi Monastery.

Most of all, Gina lived her faith in the way she treated others. Those whom she loved constantly felt the support of her warmth, concern, and care. A wonderful listener who made all feel cherished, she enlivened our lives with her gift for conversation, often over Lipton tea with skim milk and one sugar. Family members and friends will remember Gina for her compassion, grace, and kindness. She will be greatly missed.

Funeral arrangements are with the John J. Fox Funeral Home, 2080 Boston Post Rd., Larchmont, New York (www.jjffh.com ). Visitation will be August 30, 2021 2pm to 4pm and 7pm to 9pm. A mass of Christian burial will be celebrated for Gina at Saints John and Paul Church, Larchmont, New York on August 31, 2021 at 10:00am.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations in Gina’s memory to the Dominican Sisters of Corpus Christi Monastery, 1230 Lafayette Avenue, Bronx, New York.