Virginia F. Joels

Virginia F. Joels, 92, formerly of Black River, NY, passed away peacefully on October 11, 2025, at Samaritan Summit Village, where she had been a resident.
She was born on July 10, 1933, in Watertown, NY, the daughter of John and Julia (Myers) Fitzsimmons. Virginia graduated from Black River High School in 1951. Following high school she attended House of the Good Samaritan Nursing School and graduated as a Registered Nurse in 1954.
Virginia dedicated her entire career to Samaritan Medical Center, where she served as a staff and head nurse in the Newborn and Intensive Care Nurseries. Her nursing career spanned over 44 years until her retirement in 1998. She was known for her compassion, leadership, and tireless devotion to her patients and colleagues.
On June 16, 1956, she married her high school sweetheart, Frederick M. Joels, at St. Paul's Catholic Church in Black River. The couple resided in Black River for many years. Fred passed away on October 28, 2019.
Virginia was an avid reader and upon retirement she and her husband enjoyed traveling. A highlight of their travels was a Mediterranean Cruise. She also loved spending time with her family. She was a member of St. Paul's Catholic Church, Kamargo Association of Black River High School and a member of the Samaritan Loyals. She was a loving mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother who left a legacy of care and kindness.
She is survived by her five children: Frederick and Diane Joels of Carthage, NY, Elizabeth and Joseph Loveland of Adams Center, NY, Deborah and Michael Place of Midland, NC, Stephen and Vonnie Joels of Watertown, NY, and Kathy Manahan of Darrow, LA.
She is also survived by 11 grandchildren; Sarah (Luke) McConnell, Fred (Bethann) Joels, Stephanie Ritz, Jake Loveland, Katie (Kyle) Wratten, Robert Place, Janelle (Joe) Bova, Amanda (David) Kramer, Kaci (Ed) Coseo, Josh Manahan, Mariah (Lane) Moran; eight great grandchildren; Harper, Lyric, Hendrix, Raegen, Gianna, Addilyn, Rayne, and Nora; her sister-in-law, Mary Ann Fitzsimmons of Webster, NY and several nieces and nephews.
In addition to her parents and beloved husband, she was predeceased by two brothers and a sister-in-law, James Fitzsimmons and Robert (Mary Ann) Fitzsimmons and a brother in law, Rollie Joels.
A Funeral Mass will be celebrated on Thursday, October 16, at 1:00 p.m. at St. Paul's Catholic Church in Black River. Burial will follow in Black River Cemetery.
Arrangements are with Bruce Funeral Home, Black River.
Donations in Virginia's memory may be made to St. Paul's Catholic Church or the Samaritan Medical Center Foundation of NNY.
Online condolences may be shared at www.brucefh.com.
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