KEENE — Virginia Sheasby, 95, passed away Tuesday, Dec. 4, 2012, at the Horace Nye Home in Elizabethtown. She was born July 3, 1917, in Rochester, N.Y., the daughter of Adelbert and Bessie (Horswell) Sheasby.
In her younger years, she was a model for the Eastman Kodak Company. In 1944 she married Richard l. Sheasby and in 1947 they moved to Keene with their infant daughter and built a home on Cascade Road. For ten years, they owned and operated the Keene General Store, a true general store featuring everything from fresh meat and groceries to clothing, hardware, hunting and fishing equipment, animal feed and fuel. After selling the store, Virginia worked as a housekeeper at the AuSable Club until her retirement. She and Richard then spent many happy winters in Conch Key, Florida, fishing and enjoying the sunshine.
Virginia was a wonderful mother and grandmother. She served on the local school board and was active in community affairs, She was an avid knitter, enjoyed gardening, cooking and spending time with her family, and watching birds and other wildlife. She also enjoyed traveling and took an especially memorable trip to Alaska with her granddaughter, Kristy, in Feb. 2001.
She is survived by her daughter, Linda Deyo; and son, Richard Roy Sheasby, both of Keene; grandchildren David Deyo and Kristy Deyo, also of Keene, Heidi Sheasby of Glenford, N.Y. and Morgan Sheasby of Brooklyn, N.Y.; and great-grandchildren, Rubin and Talula Kirschner and Mia Deyo. She is also survived by a brother, Raymond Horswell. She was predeceased by her husband Richard and a sister, Doris Fullerton.
She was a wonderful woman who will live on in the hearts of those who knew and loved her. As per her wishes, there will be no formal services, but a private family ceremony to celebrate her life.
Donations in her memory can be made to the Keene or Keene Valley Fire Department, the Keene Valley Neighborhood House and the Westport SPCA.
Arrangements have been entrusted to W.M. Marvin's Sons funeral home in Elizabethtown. To leave condolences please visit www.wmmarvins.com
