NORTH ADAMS, Mass. —  Virginia Marie Koonz, 79, of West Springfield, MA died Saturday February 6, 2021 at Mercy Hospital in Springfield after contracting Covid-19.

Virginia was born in Goshen, NY on August 3, 1941, the youngest child of Joseph H. and Therese (Gunther) Koonz. She attended the former St. Joseph's High School in North Adams and earned a Bachelor of Arts degree at Elms College in 1962.

When in North Adams, Virginia was a communicant of St. Elizabeth of Hungary Church. After leaving the Berkshires, Virginia was first employed as a social worker, but her true vocation was teaching. She was a devoted teacher of special education students at West Springfield High School for many years, until her retirement in 2004. Virginia was a fiercely compassionate caretaker, known for her devotion to family, friends, and anyone in need. She will be remembered for her generous spirit and unfailing kindness.

Survivors include one sister, Theresa Joan Gazzaniga of South Glastonbury, CT and her beloved nieces, nephews, grandnieces, and grandnephews. The Marden family of North Adams also held a special place in her heart. She was predeceased by two sisters and two brothers including Mary Ellen Koonz, Annette (Koonz) Leveque, Joseph H. Koonz, Jr., and Rev. John A. Koonz.

FUNERAL NOTICE: A Liturgy of Christian Burial for Virginia Koonz will be celebrated in the spring at St. Elizabeth of Hungary Church. Burial will be in Southview Cemetery. Memorial donations may be made to the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation or the St. Vincent de Paul Conference at St. Elizabeth’s in care of FLYNN & DAGNOLI-MONTAGNA HOME FOR FUNERALS, CENTRAL CHAPEL, 74 Marshall St. North Adams, MA 01247. To add to the Book of Memories, please visit www.flynndagnolifuneralhomes.com.