Virginia L. Owsiak

1941 - 2025

Virginia L. Owsiak, 84, of Lebanon passed away on Wednesday, October 15th, 2025, at her residence. Born in Brattleboro, Vermont on March 27th, 1941, she was the daughter of the late Samuel Leigh and Anita (Blodgett) Cameron. She married the love of her life, John.J. Owsiak, Jr., on February 28, 1959. John predeceased her on May 8, 1994.

During her life she liked to cook for family and friends, she enjoyed bowling and trivia nights and had a close group of friends she shared weekly dinners with. She loved to travel, enjoying trips to the Caribbean, Hawaii, PEI, Maine and many cruises.

She was very generous with her time and loved volunteering with Road to Recovery, Toys for Tots, Wreathes Across America, and as a Girl Scout Leader. She also enjoyed spending time volunteering at her granddaughter Lindsey's school.

She and her husband owned and operated Owsiak Appraisal Service for decades. Following the death of her husband, she pursued a new career and bravely graduated from the VT State Police Academy and became a Deputy Sheriff with the Windham County Sheriff's Department; a position that was truly her calling. While with the

department, she spearheaded the "Are You OK?" program, attended events as "McGruff the Crime Dog" and was integral in providing bike safety programs to children.

She met and started a new life with Larry Burke, who embraced Virginia's family as his own. He thrived in his role as grandfather and great-grandfather. He took a very strong group of women in stride and was very patient. Virginia's family appreciated and loved him greatly. Larry pre-deceased Ginny - as he called her, in 2012.

She enjoyed her time visiting Longwood Gardens, seeing the snow geese at Middlecreek, and bird watching at home. She loved animals and had many beloved pets - Tom, Stinky Marie, Elton, Earl, Millie, Tango,

Mambo and her grand-dogs Archie, Elmer and Minnie. In her later years she developed a love for football, especially Penn State and the Eagles.

A true New Englander, whole belly clams were a favorite treat that she looked forward to anytime she stumbled upon a menu with them.

What she loved most was her family - born of blood and those who were chosen. Together with John they raised three girls who grew the family with four granddaughters, three great-granddaughters and two

great-grandsons. She often commented on how it took 72 years for the family to get their first boy and was so excited that the curse was finally broken.

She leaves behind her daughters Deborah Fisher, Donna Derivan (Mike), and Jane Owsiak (Chad Patrick). Granddaughters Lindsey Jaeger (Mike), Melissa Pecor (Doug), Katie Derivan, and Allison Mosher. Great-grandchildren Leah and Lauren Jaeger, Owen Wilson, and Matthew and Cassidy Pecor. She is survived by her beloved brother, Phillip Cameron of Windsor, Connecticut, with whom she spoke multiple times a week.

She was preceded in death by her three sisters, Patricia DiMeo, Beverly Monaco, and Barbara Cameron.

A Celebration of Viginia's life was held on Monday, October 20th, 2025. An additional service and interment will follow in Vermont at the convenience of the family.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to St. Jude's, the ASPCA, and The Shriner's Children's Hospital in her name.