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Virginia Schendler Obituary
Goshen, NH - Virginia "Gigi" Geary Schendler - photographer, forest protector, cherished mother, aunt, grandmother, friend - died January 11, 2026, near her home of more than 60 years in Goshen, New Hampshire.
Born February 8, 1939, in Bryn Mawr, Pennsylvania, Gigi was the younger child of Ida Virginia Heckscher (McFadden) Geary and Alfred Harrison Geary, and the sister of John White Geary. She graduated from Smith College and New York University's Institute of Fine Arts. Many of her portraits of writers and artists graced the book covers of publishing houses New Directions and Farrar, Straus and Giroux. She also photographed school children, neighbors, friends, and family, and the changing landscapes of Goshen and New York City. With poet/publisher James Laughlin she published Phantoms (Aperture, 1995).
Gigi was married to Sylvan Schendler for 44 years until his death in 2002. Her daughter Virginia Tarin Schendler died in 2018. Loved ones describe a life of deep friendship, wisdom, generosity, her commitment to anti-militarism, and her reverence for the woods. The day before her stroke, Gigi walked three miles in the snow with spikes on her boots for the first time and said "This is so liberating!"
Gigi is survived by her daughter Revan Schendler; her grandson, Benjamin Schendler-Terry, wife Ashley Terry and son Von Isaiah; beloved nieces and nephews, including Bunny Schendler, Rachel Schendler, Marin and Ann Fasano, Armand and Maria Fasano, Daphne Geary; and cousins Morrison and Fenella Heckscher. Many friends / chosen family she had known since childhood, especially Sarah Price, Linn Sage, and Phyllis and Michael Wells, and more recent friends Bea Jillette, Don Filkins, Donnie O'Clair, and Reed Woodhouse, made the last years of her life independent, adventurous, supported and inspiring.
In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation in her name to the Jack Byrne Center for Palliative and Hospice Care at Dartmouth Hitchcock Medical Center, The Ausbon Sargent Land Preservation Trust in New London, or journalist Caitlin Johnstone. A gathering to celebrate her life will take place in the spring.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Virginia Schendler
Sponsored by Cremation Society of New Hampshire - Manchester.
Susie and Bob Blackwood
January 29, 2026
When we think of Gigi, we see her beautiful blue eyes, and her wonderful zest for life. We will miss running into her when hiking around the Goshen Ocean or when walking by her beautiful farm. Her kindness touched many lives. Rest in peace Gigi, we will all miss you.
Scott Bennett
January 26, 2026
You will be missed Gigi. You were a great neighbor and friend.
John Garvey
January 17, 2026
Gigi was an inspiration. She remained vital and engaged as she aged. Her passion gave others energy and strength. And she was just so fun and interesting! I feel very fortunate to have known her. Her energy is still here in the trees she loved.
Sarah Price
January 15, 2026
Gigi was an infinitely wise and loving person.
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Marianne and Gary Dennis
January 15, 2026
My very first remembrance of Gigi is working on the Gutsy Guys of Goshen calendar in 2002. From there Gary and I became friends of hers having pizza nights at Village, and entertaining at each others houses. She will be missed
Lenore Weseley
January 14, 2026
I knew Gigi for sixty years. Her daughter, Tarin, and my daughter were classmates in nursery school. Gigi was beautiful, brilliant, and a delight to be with. A few years ago, I visited her in Goshen. We also went to the Metropolitan Opera together several years ago. Not long ago, she sent me a book about the birds of India, a souvenir of her time in Hyderabad with her family. We're both birders. Gigi was a lovely person, and I will miss her. Lenore Weseley
Barbara Paronto
January 14, 2026
Goshen will miss you, Dear Heart.
Janet Brof
January 14, 2026
Gigi rejoiced in the woods, the lake, the various paths near her home. One could not be help being pierced by her joy in the same places when one was a guest of hers. I will never forgot her--- the wonderful joy of deep friendship I found with. Gigi.
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Cremation Society of New Hampshire - Manchester243 Hanover Street, Manchester, NH 03104
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