Virginia L. Owsiak, 84, of Lebanon, passed away on Wednesday, Oct. 15, 2025, at her residence. Born in Brattleboro, Vermont, on March 27, 1941, she was the daughter of the late Samuel Leigh and Anita (Blodgett) Cameron. She married the love of her life, John. J Owsiak Jr., on Feb. 28, 1959. John predeceased her on May 8, 1994.
During her life, she liked to cook for family and friends, enjoyed bowling and trivia nights, and had a close group of friends she shared weekly dinners with. She loved to travel, enjoying trips to the Caribbean, Hawaii, PEI, Maine, and many cruises.
She was very generous with her time and loved volunteering with Road to Recovery, Toys for Tots, Wreaths Across America, and as a Girl Scout Leader. She also enjoyed spending time volunteering at her granddaughter Lindsey’s school.
She and her husband owned and operated Owsiak Appraisal Service for decades. Following the death of her husband, she pursued a new career and bravely graduated from the VT State Police Academy and became a Deputy Sheriff with the Windham County Sheriff’s Department, a position that was truly her calling. While with the department, she spearheaded the “Are You OK?” program, attended events as “McGruff the Crime Dog,” and was integral in providing bike safety programs to children.
She met and started a new life with Larry Burke, who embraced Virginia’s family as his own. He thrived in his role as grandfather and great-grandfather. He took a very strong group of women in stride and was very patient. Virginia’s family appreciated and loved him greatly. Larry predeceased Ginny, as he called her, in 2012.
She enjoyed her time visiting Longwood Gardens, seeing the snow geese at Middlecreek, and bird watching at home. She loved animals and had many beloved pets, Tom, Stinky Marie, Elton, Earl, Millie, Tango, Mambo, and her grand-dogs, Archie, Elmer, and Minnie. In her later years, she developed a love for football, especially Penn State and the Eagles.
A true New Englander, whole belly clams were a favorite treat that she looked forward to anytime she stumbled upon a menu with them.
What she loved most was her family – born of blood and those who were chosen. Together with John, they raised three girls who grew the family with four granddaughters, three great-granddaughters, and two great-grandsons. She often commented on how it took 72 years for the family to get their first boy and was so excited that the curse was finally broken.
She leaves behind her daughters, Deborah Fisher, Donna Derivan (Mike), and Jane Owsiak (Chad Patrick); granddaughters, Lindsey Jaeger (Mike), Melissa Pecor (Doug), Katie Derivan, and Allison Mosher; and great-grandchildren, Leah and Lauren Jaeger, Owen Wilson, and Matthew and Cassidy Pecor. She is survived by her beloved brother, Phillip Cameron, of Windsor, Connecticut, with whom she spoke multiple times a week.
She was preceded in death by her sisters, Patricia DiMeo, Beverly Monaco, and Barbara Cameron.
A public viewing will be held from 11 a.m. to 12 p.m. on Monday, Oct. 20, 2025, at Kreamer Funeral Home and Crematory Inc., 618 E. Main St., Annville, PA 17003. Funeral services will begin at 12 p.m. on Monday at the Funeral Home. An additional memorial service and reception will follow. Interment will be held at the convenience of the family in Brattleboro, Vermont.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to St. Jude’s, the ASPCA, and the Shriners Children’s Hospital in her name.
