Obituary of Virginia "Gini" Phillips

Virginia (Gini) Katherine Hlavati Wosczyna Phillips, aged 88, of New Britain, CT, passed away peacefully on Saturday, April 6, 2024. Born June 25,1935, she remained a proud dedicated resident in her cherished hometown where she left an indelible mark on the community. After attending New Britain High School, Virginia married Lawrence Wosczyna, embarking on a journey that would bring them six children.

In 1985, she found love again with Paul Phillips, sharing 32 years of marriage. Their union grew her already large family to include over 50 step children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren. Virginia's professional contributions were impactful. She served as a director of the New Britain Senior Center, and later assumed the role of Director of the Wallingford Senior Center. Her tenure in senior center management was marked by numerous accomplishments, reflecting her dedication to enhancing the lives of the elderly citizens.

Virginia was renowned for her passionate involvement in community affairs. From her active engagement in the Junior Women’s Club and the Women’s Club of New Britain; involved in establishing the beautiful Rose Garden atop Walnut Hill Park; to her service as a board member at New Britain General Hospital Auxiliary, where she also managed the gift shop. She also volunteered at the local library assisting immigrants to learn English. Virginia will be deeply missed and leaves behind a legacy of love, kindness, and unwavering dedication to her community.

Virginia is survived by her children William (Sharon) Wosczyna of Allentown, PA; Laurene (Michael) Pellegrini of Bedford, NH;  Donna Grunwald of Plainville, CT; Patricia (Rob) Drake of Jerome, MI; Lynne (Craig) Zettergren of Sarasota, FL; and John Wosczyna of New Britain,CT; and her sister Marianne Dominice of Greenwich,CT; and grandchildren Catherine Cohen, Michael Grunwald, Elizabeth Davis, Steven Grunwald, Christopher Pellegrini, Marissa Pellegrini, Derek Wosczyna, Sierra Wensel, and Shane Wensel; and 9 great grandchildren. She is preceded in death by her parents John (Billie) and Mary Hlavati; husband Paul Phillips; and grandchild Alexandra Wosczyna. 

Funeral service will be held at St Maurice Church, New Britain, CT on Saturday, April 13 at 10:00 am. Burial will follow at St. Mary’s Cemetery. Visitation will be held at Farrell Funeral Home on Friday, April 12 from 5pm to 7pm. Condolences may be sent to FarrellFuneralHome.com.  In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be sent to The Hospital of Central Connecticut Auxiliary at New Britain 100 Grand Street, New Britain, CT 06050. The family wishes to express their immense gratitude to Monsignor Bojnowski Manor and Laurie Wilcox, the doula from New Hartford, CT for their wonderful comforting care.