Virginia H. Brown

Virginia E. Brown neé Haber, “Ginny,” 81, passed away peacefully on March 25, 2023 after a long illness.

She was born in Albany on August 16, 1941 to the late Madeline and Alexander “Skip” Haber. She graduated with the Class of 1959 from Columbia High School, now Genet Middle School, and in 1996 obtained an Associate's Degree in Science from Hudson Valley Community College.

For many years, Ginny ran a dog grooming and boarding business from the family home on Bunker Hill Road in Schodack. There, she also bred miniature Schnauzers and kept two beloved American Quarter horses with her husband, Thomas P. Brown III, who passed away in 2005. Virginia is survived by her son Gregory and daughter Robyn. Her eldest daughter, Peyton, passed away of illness at age 21 in 1983. She is also survived by her brother, Wallin Haber.

Ginny was a terrific homemaker and worked tirelessly as a legal secretary in the 1960s and later at her dog business to provide a fine home for her husband and children.

In the 1970s, Ginny hosted a Girl Scout Troop at the home, providing fond memories of youth for local girls, including Peyton. For much of her life she was also a talented artist who could work with many mediums including oil paints and pastels. She loved gardening, and her favorite flowers were marigolds and morning glories. She was a friend to the local wildlife that would visit, particularly the birds, chipmunks, and squirrels, who made her smile. The robins arriving in spring were one of the things she most looked forward to, as well as seeing the local ravens arrive for daily treats. She was a warm and giving person with a beautiful smile and wonderful laugh who will be truly missed by those who knew her.

A service will be held with close, lifelong friends and interment will be in the family plot in the North Chatham Cemetery.