Virginia Pietrykowski

On March 27, 2026 Heaven gained a beautiful angel. Virginia "Ginger" Pietrykowski passed away peacefully with her family by her side. She was on her way to her 92nd birthday. 

Ginger was the matriarch of the Pietrykowski family. Together with her husband of 62 years, she and Carl “Pete” Pietrykowski moved from Toledo, Ohio to Delmar and there they raised their five children, who went on to have 17 grandchildren and 15 great-grandchildren. Ginger enjoyed having a large family. Celebrations both big and small were a regular occurrence and Ginger was always a popular guest or a gracious host, making sure everyone felt welcome. She was the life of the party without needing to be the center of attention. Her humor, quick wit, positive attitude and compassionate nature made her a magnet for people and those who were fortunate to know her made an immediate friend. She cherished her neighbors and her friends from Silver Sneakers. She celebrated birthdays and Christmas with her “Lunch Bunch” friends and kept in touch with her friends from high school. She was a Brownie troop leader, a recess monitor at St. Thomas school, active in The Embroiderers’ Guild, volunteered at the Albany Museum of History and Art, and collaborated on many St. Thomas Card Parties. Ginger helped her husband establish Zimmer-Pete Orthopedic distributorship, and also worked at Laura Taylor, Ltd in Delmar. She was a communicant and faithful member of St. Thomas Parish. Ginger had many hobbies. She had a beautiful voice and enjoyed singing, especially Mario Lanza and Julie Andrews songs. She embroidered each of her grandchildren cross-stitched birth announcements and individualized Christmas stockings. She sewed everything from doll clothes to prom dresses and knit blankets, scarfs and socks. Ginger had some serious fishing skills as well, landing a 110 pound halibut while on an expedition to Alaska! She and Pete enjoyed traveling - from duck hunting in Maine on their honeymoon to Norway and Poland to explore their heritage. Being the super-Mom that she was, Ginger always kept a beautiful home, made sure all the kids were cared for in every aspect and still managed to look terrific, even if she was working in the yard or walking Zimmer at 5:30 in the morning! 

Ginger was predeceased by her husband, Carl “Pete” Pietrykowski. She is survived by her children: Carl (predeceased by his wife, Earnie), Mary Edgington (Jon), Sue Jacobsen (Kevin MacKrell), Michael Pietrykowski (Suzanna) and Annie DiBiase (Nick). She was proud of each of her grandchildren: Joe, Laurel, Emily, Abby, Travis, Nora, Caleb, Lydia, Amos, Anna, Clara, April, Dani, Matthew, Andrew, Katie and Kevin and her great-grandchildren: Leo, Elle, Mae, Luna, Grace, Max, Faith, John, Waylon, Gabe, Dhaysia, Tré, Tabitha, Vincent and Asa. 

The family is grateful for the compassionate care of Hospice, as well as her caregivers, Christina and Donna. 

Ginger chose to donate her body to the Albany Medical College Anatomical Gift Program. 

In lieu of flowers, please make a contribution to Community Hospice at https://www.communityhospice.org/donate/ or to the charity of your choice. 

Remember Ginger fondly each time you feel the urge to sing or the warmth of the sun makes you smile. Ginger was so much more than can be put into words. She will be greatly missed. Please join her family in celebrating Ginger’s life. The family will receive visitors on Friday, April 17th from 4:30 - 7:00pm  at Applebee Funeral Home, 403 Kenwood Ave. Delmar.  A Mass will be celebrated on Saturday, April 18th at 11:00 at St. Thomas the Apostle Church, 35 Adams Place, Delmar.