Name: Memorial Gathering for Virginia Anne Zellner
Start: 2024-11-01T16:00:00.000Z
End: 2024-11-01T19:00:00.000Z
Location: Lillis Funeral Home

Virginia Anne Zellner
Virginia Anne Zellner, affectionately known as Ginny, passed away peacefully at Regional Hospice on October 25, 2024. Beloved wife of Errol Zellner for 62 wonderful years, Ginny will forever be remembered for her creativity, intellect, and unwavering dedication to her community.
Born in Philadelphia in 1941, Ginny's early years were shaped by her passion for dance. She studied classical ballet with Ballet Russe, later sharing her skills with countless aspiring dancers at Studio D and the School of Performing Arts. Her love for the arts also extended to painting, where she was known for her realistic works. Ginny's artistic talents shone brightly in her long-standing involvement with the Sherman Historical Society, where she served as a board member and created stunning holiday displays that became a seasonal tradition. Ginny is a graduate of Western Connecticut State University and Fairfield University.
As a dedicated educator, Ginny taught gifted students at Sherman School in Sherman, CT, where her influence on young minds was immeasurable. Mrs. Z., as she was known by students, founded the "Schoolhouse Company" where she directed numerous student musicals. Her commitment to education extended beyond the classroom, as she served on the Sherman Board of Education, always advocating for the best interests of students and the community.
Ginny is survived by her loving husband, Errol; her sons, Robin and Scott; her grandson, and her daughter in law. She will be deeply missed by all who knew her, but her legacy of love, art, and education will live on.
A memorial gathering will be held on Friday, November 1, 2024, from 12 p.m.-3 p.m. at the Lillis Funeral Home, 58 Bridge Street in New Milford, CT 06776. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations can be made to: St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude’s Place, Memphis, TN 38105. The donation form will be provided at the funeral home.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Danbury News Times & New Milford Spectrum on Oct. 26, 2024.

Memories and Condolences
for Virginia Zellner

Sponsored by Lillis Funeral Home.

13 Entries

Logan Kjep

November 5, 2024

So saddened to hear. Grateful I got to know you, Mrs. Z. Thank you for creating a welcoming, invigorating class. It was a haven for me. You helped me to investigate my interests, and pursue creativity. You had a huge impact on the direction of my education. I remember you as kindly but always firmly pushing us to dig deeper. What a gift.

Suzanne Smith

November 3, 2024

Dear Chip, Scott, and Robin --

I am so sorry to hear of Ginny's passing. She was a terrific neighbor and an extraordinary teacher. My mom, Carole, believed she was one of the most creative teachers she'd ever met. She certainly left a wonderful legacy for Sherman and for her family. I am holding you all in the light during this time of transition. All the best to you. --

Suzanne Smith
Los Angeles

Ericksons

November 1, 2024

Dear Chip and Family, We regret not being with you today for Ginnys Celebration of her amazing life. Please know that we've been praying that as God takes Ginny into his fold that He wraps His arms around each one of you and eases the hurting hearts. God Bless You..Each one of you. You will continue to be in our thoughts and prayers today, tomorrow and everyday that follows.

Colleen Taylor

November 1, 2024

I was a student of "Mrs Z" in the early 2000s. No one else had a greater impact on my early education- and I know many many other SS graduates will agree. She instilled a love of curiosity and academic confidence in all of us in LEAP. She exuded sunshine every day in the classroom. But for all the talent she had creatively, from dance to theatre to pedagogy, she matched it in her generosity. Later in life, she was a wonderful friend to my late mother, Joni, and honored her at the Sherman Historical Society. Her kindness will never be forgotten. Mrs Z was my wonderful teacher and friend. She was and is the spirit of Sherman, CT. I will miss her emails and her beautiful smile, but I trust she is dancing away on the other side. Love you Mrs Z

Joy Mancini Klvana

October 30, 2024

Our hearts are heavy as we heard of your passing. Your passion for the arts was contagious, and your guidance helped our children and all your students to discover and create characters on stage. You encouraged creativity, empathy, and self-expression. You challenged them to step out of their comfort zone which in return built their confidence. We will miss your energy, your enthusiasm and the way you inspired many students to bring stories to life on stage. Our thoughts are with your family and friends. In the words of Peter Pan, "Never say goodbye, because goodbye means going away and going away means forgetting." We will never forget you, Ginny.
The Klvana family,
Michael, Joy, Zak and Zoë

Sherman Historical Society

October 30, 2024

Chip, On behalf of the Sherman Historical Society´s Board of Directors and members, we extend our heartfelt condolences to you and your family. Ginny´s dedication, wisdom, artistic talents and warmth were invaluable to our organization, and her contributions have left an indelible mark on the Society and the community she cherished.

Her passion for preserving our local history and her commitment to our mission will be fondly remembered and deeply missed. Please know that our thoughts are with you during this time of sorrow, and we share in honoring her legacy.

With deepest sympathy,
Sherman Historical Society

Doris

October 30, 2024

My deepest sympathies to the Zellner family and to all whose lives were touched by Ginny. What a legacy she leaves! I cherished Ginny's friendship and to love much is to also grieve much. I admired her talents and it was an honor to work with her through many Sherman Historical Society events.
You are loved forever, my friend. May your heaven be filled peace, painting and pirouettes.

Cynthia O'Connor

October 28, 2024

Ginny was truly a rare and wonderful bird in our lives! An artist, dancer, teacher, all rolled into one! She was so gifted at seeing the talent in the children she taught! They were diamonds in the rough when they came to her...and were stars lighting the skies when she sent them forward into the world! I can never overstate how much she touched our family, my daughter, and all the kids who she taught. We all loved her dearly!

Bob Ennis

October 28, 2024

What sad news. Sending sincerest sympathies to Mrs. Z's family. Though her arrival at Sherman School came after I was in the upper grades, I was truly fortunate that she stepped up to lead what was then simply known as the Drama Club. She taught all of us a lot about the theater and the arts, and we learned about ourselves in the process. Thanks Mrs. Z for being such an important part of my formative years. From the Class of 1981!!

Joseph Taylor

October 27, 2024

Ginny taught my daughter, Colleen Taylor, at the Sherman School for many years. She had a great influence on my daughter and shaped her future profoundly. Mrs. Z was a master teacher, and a master human being.
She also was a colleague of my late wife, Joni, at the Historical Society. She was a great friend to Joni, and to our family. She will be greatly missed. It was a life well lived.

Mary Lou Carlson

October 27, 2024

Ginny was a talented and knowledgeable person who cared deeply for her family, friends, students, and community. She had a wonderful smile and she was generous in spirit and energy to address community and school issues, yet she asked very little for herself. She so enjoyed the natural world, art making, preparing special meals, her kitties, having a good chuckle with friends, we will deeply miss our very special friend who has left us all too soon.

Nancy Broughel

October 27, 2024

I had the pleasure of teaching with Ginny at the Sherman School for many years.

Words that come to mind are creative, inventive, devoted and so talented.
She did so much to build a strong and vital Fine Arts Department at the school .Having earned her eternal rest, I can picture Ginny up there with Carole Smith organizing another spectacular event. With condolences to her family. Nancy Broughel

Ryan John Urbanowicz

October 26, 2024

Mrs. Z had an enormous impact on my life as a teacher who opened my mind to so many possibilities. She challenged us to think without boundaries and fostered creativity and beauty in the lives she touched. I will always be grateful to her!

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