Virginia “Jinny” Zechman passed away, peacefully, on Thursday, June 2, 2022, at Auburn Community Hospital after a long struggle with chronic health issues.
Jinny was born on Sept. 28, 1934, in Philadelphia, PA, to Harold Poad and Florence Meyer. She was an only child of extremely musically talented parents.
Jinny was also a musician and was known locally as the lady banjo player with the Soda Ash Jazz Band.
She graduated from Lower Merion High School, outside Philly in 1952, then attended Cornell University for 2 years. She returned to college in her mid-30’s and received her degree in education from Cortland State and also received a Master’s in reading. We called her the grammar police because she was always correcting us! Jinny taught 2nd, then 1st grade at Herman Ave. Elementary School where her classroom was affectionately referred to as Zechman’s Zoo.
Jinny, our mom and Oma, was also a gifted athlete. She was an accomplished golfer, but her passion was basketball. She held the record for most points scored in a single game, both boys and girls, until a young ball player at Lower Merion, named Kobe Bryant broke her record! She was inducted to the athletic hall of fame at her high school in 2014 and her picture now hangs in the rafters alongside Kobe’s.
She quietly loved her children, grandchildren and great grandchildren. She was there when we needed her, our strength when we just couldn’t handle it.
Jinny is survived by her children, Linda Zechman Vanholtz (Bruce) of Skaneateles Falls, Andrew Zechman of Manhattan, 3 grandchildren, Danielle Vanholtz of Skaneateles, Toby Vanholtz (Liz) of Milton, FL and Dylan Vanholtz of Greenville, NC. Also 2 great grandchildren, Owen Vanholtz and Paris London both of Skaneateles.
There will be no calling hours and service will be private.
A celebration of life gathering will be held for Jinny and Russ Zechman on Friday, Aug. 12, from 5-? at the Skaneateles American Legion.
The Soda Ash Dixieland Jazz Band will be playing in memory of Mom as their Lady Banjo player.
Please, in memory of our Mom and Oma, if you are willing and able, donate to your local library. She was a fierce advocate of literacy!
To send condolences, visit robertdgrayfuneralhome.com.
