Virginia A. Dobell

DoBell, Virginia "Ginny"6/6/1911 - 8/10/2013The sign attached to her transport chair read "Our Family Treasure - Ginny 100 Years!" an apt sentiment for her attendance at the Antiques Roadshow in Pittsburgh on August 13, 2011. Ginny, her daughter Gloria Drake Fetter, grandson Chris Fetter and good friend Ann Murray brought several items to be appraised, but Ginny proved to be the "antique" the crowd and experts most enjoyed! She was photographed with jewelry appraiser Kevin Zavian after learning the history of her favorite cameo pin and interviewed on camera by pottery expert David Rago as he gave details about her two unusual majolica moth plates. On August 22nd her photo was posted to the Antiques Roadshow website as part of their "Slide Show" of the Pittsburgh event! Her interview was aired on Monday, February 20, 2012 at the very end of that Roadshow program. Ginny was the first centenarian to appear on the popular series. That event ranked near the top of the several she enjoyed as family and friends celebrated Ginny's 100th year. Beginning in August 2010, Ginny returned to Ithaca for festive family reunion, 5 generations of the Nedrow family gathered for lasagna and laughter as everyone applauded their favorite "Aunt Ginny," the last remaining child of Robert Allen and Susie Barron Nedrow. Mary Virginia Alice Nedrow was born on Tuesday, June 6, 1911 in Frederick, Maryland. She was 2 years old when her family moved to the Lansing area. Robert was a minister of the Church of the Bretheren in Lake Ridge and farmed near Ludlowville. Her brothers were Paul, Jason and Ephriam. Her only sister was Ruth Tvaroha. Ginny attended Ludlowville High School and the Cortland Nurses Training School. She married Harold Drake in 1931 and had a daughter, Gloria. The family lived on North Aurora Street and were members of the First Methodist Church. During WWII Ginny worked at the Ithaca Gun Company where she created many life-long friendships. From 1945-1949 they lived on University Avenue. In 1951 Ginny became a single mother and went to work for Allynson's Dress Shop on East State Street. In 1953 Ginny married William "Bill" DoBell, a salesman for the T.G. Miller & Sons Paper Company. Bill and Ginny were active in the Ithaca Bowling League, the VFW and the Ithaca Volunteer Fire Dept., Engine 4. They bought a home on Trumansburg Rd. in 1957 where they opened Windy Acres Antiques and collected Victorian glass, china and miniature lamps. From 1950 thru 1983 Ginny worked on Tioga Street, first at the Corner Book Store and later at T.G. Millers. Ginny was a member of the American Legion Auxiliary in Trumansburg and of the Lansing Senior Citizens. In February of 1999 she appeared in the Ithaca Journal and was interviewed on the radio as a 50-year loyal customer of the Tompkins County Trust Company. In 1998 Bill and Ginny chose The Creamery in Harford for their retirement. They loved the spacious apartment where they displayed many antiques acquired over 40 years of collecting and found an active and friendly group of seniors who they very much enjoyed. Bill DoBell, Ginny's husband of 47 years, passed away on August 19, 2000. Ginny moved to Pittsburgh in 2004 to be near her daughter and grandchildren. She quickly adjusted to her new "Big City" environment and had many friends among the residents of West Park Court. Her family hosted a 100th Birthday Celebration on Sunday, June 12, 2011 with residents and many family and friends attending. Ginny became an avid Steelers fan, dressing in Black and Gold to watch them on her HDTV. She was most appreciated for her positive attitude, memorable laughter and ready sense of humor. She loved jewelry and always stood out in the crowd (all 4'8") with her "bling" and color coordinated outfits. In the spring of 2009, Ginny was interviewed by friend Ann Murray, a reporter for 91.3 WYEP FM's Allegheny Front, about harvesting dandelions and preparing a hot Pennsylvania Dutch salad, as she had done as a young girl. That interview, "Spring Has Sprung", has been replayed each spring. Ginny passed into the Lord's hands on Saturday, August 10, 2013 at age 102 and 2 months. Waiting to greet her were her parents, siblings, husband Bill DoBell, nephew Larry Tvaroha and nieces Ruth Nedrow Swearingen and Ann Kierney Nedrow. She is survived by daughter Gloria Drake Fetter; grandchildren Christopher and Cari (Tom) Moore; great-grandchildren Teke (Angel) and Clayton (Lara) Moore and eight great great-grandchildren: Maddie, Preston, Mike, Sofia, Amelia; Daryn, Ryan and Colton Moore. Ginny is also survived by many nieces and nephews and a multitude of family and friends. Ginny was a devoted and faithful friend, possessed a great sense of humor and was always willing to make the extra effort for all those she loved. She will be greatly missed! A memorial service was held in Pittsburgh on Sunday, September 8, 2013. A second memorial is scheduled, in Ithaca, for Saturday, October 19, 2013, from 2-5pm at the West Hill Community Church (corner of Iradell & Van Dorn Corners Roads). Interment will be at Frear Memorial Park, next to Bill and overlooking the lake she so loved. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made in Ginny's honor to: Compassionate Care Hospice, 10700 Frankstown Road, Suite 300, Pittsburgh, PA 15233. Payable to: CCH Foundation Or, the hospice of your choice. Bangs Funeral Home is assisting the family -