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BORN
1941
DIED
2024
Virginia Tegtmeyer Obituary
June 6, 1941 - October 25, 2024
Virginia Lee ("Geelee") Tegtmeyer died October 25, 2024 at the Hospice of the Piedmont with her husband, Robert W. O'Connell, and her sister, Debbie Peters, by her side. She succumbed peacefully to an unexpected case of pneumonia at age 83.
Geelee was born June 6, 1941 in New York City to Christopher J. Peters and Virginia I. (Hoelzer) Peters. Preceded in death by her parents and her former husband, Charles J. ("Tunk") Tegtmeyer, MD, she is survived by her husband, her sister, Debbie, her sister Penny Oring (Linn), her brother Christopher ("Kit") Peters (Kimberly), nephews Tim Oring (Sherry) and Chris Oring (Lauren) and four great-nieces and nephews; and her step-son, Robert Tharp (Stephanie), four grandchildren and four great-grandchildren.
She attended Northfield Mount Hermon School, Western Reserve University, and George Washington University, and obtained her PhD in psychology from the University of Virginia in 1980.
Geelee taught biology for several years at the National Cathedral School in Washington, DC, and was later a long-time counselor for the Albemarle (Virginia) County Schools.
Geelee was a lovely, vivacious, compassionate woman -- loving and generous, bright and extroverted, and remarkably resilient. She was a force for good, admired and loved by a wide circle of friends and acquaintances. She was a social and intellectual mainstay in the interventional radiology program at the University of Virginia Medical Center established by her former husband.
She had no children of her own, but she was a surrogate mother or mentor to a score of young men and women, from friends' children, to graduate students, to medical fellows, to UVa football players. She was an unabashed autograph collector on behalf of her younger brood, and persuaded baseball and tennis stars as well as astronauts to sign for her.
She had a wide range of interests, including astronomy and fishing, and for years ran Bass Hollow, a mail-order fishing tackle company. She was active in local service organizations like the League of Women Voters and the Hope Fund. In retirement, she was a patron of opera (her special passion) and the arts.
Geelee requested that the family hold no memorial service for her. Instead, if friends wish to make contributions in her name, some of her favorite charities are Camp Holiday Trails in Charlottesville; Children, Youth, and Family Services in Charlottesville; The Hope Fund (vahopefund.org); Northfield Mount Hermon School; the Charles J. Tegtmeyer Endowed Scholarship Fund at Colgate University; and the Tegtmeyer Endowed Lectureship at the UVa Medical Center.
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Memories and Condolences
for Virginia Tegtmeyer
Debbie Willing
February 5, 2025
I have been a companion for GeeLee for many years and am recalling her thoughtfulness and connection. She showed this for her family, friends, and children in general. Her genteel ways and quiet insights were lovely to discover...she made being in her presence a delight as well as an education and I will miss our sometimes deep discussions.
Although her bright, quick mind was clear, she never mentioned her numerous degrees or varied career...she struck me as very secure, self-composed and often thinking of others.
Her concern for children in need was evident and she definitely made the world a better place. She will be sorely missed. God Bless You, GeeLee, and all your family.
Sherry and Jim Lambert
November 22, 2024
We were deeply saddened to learn of Geelee's passing. Geelee was our wonderful friend and neighbor for nearly 20 years. She was so kind and generous to us and our children, making holidays extra fun for us! We will always be grateful for Geelee's love of our family and miss her presence in our lives.
Christine Ballard
November 13, 2024
Geelee was a beautiful and gentle soul. I will remember her for her kindness, compassion, and warmth toward others, and toward me. She had a genuine interest in people and an open, caring heart that she readily shared.
I will forever be grateful to her for walking alongside me during a very difficult period in my life. Her gentle kindness carried me all the way through to where I needed to be.
Geelee spoke so lovingly of family and friends and let me know how close she felt to them. And she never failed to tell me how fortunate she was to have met Bob, and how grateful she was for all the big things and the multitude of little things he did that proved his love for her.
Geelee loved deeply and was so grateful to all those who loved and supported her.
I will remember her, and miss her.
Anda Webb
November 8, 2024
I am so sorry to learn of Geelee´s passing. She was part of our family for many years, and I remember fondly the times we spent together: holidays, family gatherings and, of course, the Virginia Festival of the Book´s "Crime Wave Luncheon!" Geelee was a kind, compassionate, and gentle soul, and I miss her loving and peaceful presence. I am so grateful and blessed to have Geelee and Bob as part of my life. I miss Geelee and her sweet spirit.
Steve Helvin Jr.
November 7, 2024
Aunt Geelee was a wonderful, vivacious, generous person who brought energy and enthusiasm to everything she did. She treated me and my friends like family and was warm and incredibly kind to us. I also was fortunate to have one of my earliest jobs at Bass Hollow, and the memories I have of working with Aunt Geelee and that business have stuck with me long after that job.
She will be missed and I will always cherish the fond memories I have of her.
Steve and Frances Helvin
November 5, 2024
It was with profound sadness and regret that Steve and I received the news of Geelee's death. Geelee was kind and generous and cared deeply for her family and friends. She had a great love for children, and in her heart adopted children of her many friends, bestowing on them her love and generosity.
Geelee faced much tragedy in her life, but was steadfast in her courage to overcome the difficulties that confronted her. The past years with Bob O'Connell at her side brought her the happiness and contentment that she so deserved.
Our family will always cherish the memories of our many, many years of friendship.
Cindy
November 5, 2024
Virginia was one of a kind and she will be missed.
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