Virginia E. (Alekonis) Durrigan

UTICA – Virginia E. (Alekonis) Durrigan, age 93, passed away on Friday, November 8, 2024, surrounded by her loving family and friends. Born in New York Mills on August 2, 1931, Virginia was the daughter of the late Frank and Helen (Andreski) Alekonis. She was raised in Utica and attended Utica Free Academy. One of Virginia’s fondest memories as a child was when she was honored to crown the Blessed Mother on the church altar; she often recounted this story with great pride. On May 26, 1951, Virginia married the love of her life, Eugene F. “Gene” Durrigan, Sr. The couple shared over 67 years together prior to Gene’s passing on April 26, 2018. At one time, Viriginia worked in the domestics department of the Stars Department Store, but the majority of her life was spent dedicated to raising and nurturing her children and grandchildren. She was an excellent homemaker and took immense pleasure in preparing meals and get-togethers for family and friends, especially for the Christmas holiday. Many happy memories were created at Virginia’s Christmas Eve parties; friends, family, and any guest who was lucky enough to attend were greeted with Virginia’s warmth and all the delicacies of her labor in the kitchen. Virginia also loved dancing, singing, and drawing beautiful artwork. Virginia cherished attending her sons’ Gene and Paul’s softball games and was affectionately referred to as "Mrs. D." She was known by all due to her vivacious nature and loud cheers. She also followed The Magnificent Yankees Drum Corps, of which her son Michael was a member. Virginia and her daughter shared many special moments together watching old movies and growing the unique bond that only a mother and daughter can share. Virginia is survived by her daughter, Virginia Ann Durrigan; and sons and daughters-in-law, Michael and Sandra Durrigan, Eugene, Jr. and Marlene Durrigan, and Paul and Denise Durrigan. She will live on in the hearts of her grandchildren and their spouses, Melissa and Joe Green, Gina and Daryl Braun, Gabrielle Howell, Alexandria and Nate Crist, Trevor Durrigan, Colin Durrigan, and Victoria Durrigan; and great-grandchildren, Raeyonna, Ariel, Michael, Mireya, Grant, and Elijah. Virginia cherished the memories of her sisters who preceded her, Josephine and her husband Ray, Dorothy, Frances, and Patricia. She also leaves many nieces, nephews, great-nieces, great-nephews, cousins; sister-in-law, Suzanne Durrigan (the late Francis J. Durrigan); and former daughter-in-law, Angela Durrigan. Virginia was additionally predeceased by her father-in-law and mother-in-law, Francis and Edith (Weed) Durrigan; sister-in-law and brother-in-law, Dorothy and Ed Strzepek; and best friend, Betty Cook. Visitation will be held on Saturday, November 16, 2024, from 2:00-3:00 p.m. at the Eannace Funeral Home, Inc., 932 South St., corner of Hammond Ave. Virginia’s funeral service and Celebration of Life will commence at 3:00 p.m. at the funeral home. For those unable to attend, you may be present virtually at https://us02web.zoom.us/j/85803697269. Interment will take place in Mt. Olivet Cemetery at the convenience of the family.

Virginia E. (Alekonis) Durrigan

August 2, 1931 - November 8, 2024