Obituary of Virginia C. Hemmes Laug

Mrs. Virginia C. Hemmes Laug, 87, of Canajoharie, New York died on October 18, 2014 at St. Mary's Hospital with her family by her side. Born on December 10, 1926 at home in Grand Rapids, Michigan, she was the daughter of Rudolph Hemmes and Mary Riekse Hemmes. Mrs. Laug was a graduate of Central High School, Grand Rapids, Michigan. She graduated in 1948 from Hope College in Holland, Michigan, earning a BA degree in English and Secondary Education. Prior to raising her children, Virginia taught English and Physical Education in Holt and Grand Ledge, Michigan. In 1967 the Laugs moved to Canajoharie, NY, where she has been an area resident since then. Virginia's faith was the center of her being. To that end, she was a member of the Canajoharie Reformed Church where she actively served leading Bible studies, Retreats, sang in the choir, was a former Superintendent of Sunday School, taught every class in Sunday school from Nursery to Adult, and was a President of the Reformed Church Women's Guild. From 1970 to 1976, Mrs. Laug served as Vice President then as President of the Montgomery Classis of the Reformed Church in America. In 1981 Virginia became an Elder of the church and in 1983 she was the first woman elected to the office of Vice President of Consistory of the Canajoharie Reformed Church serving through 1984 and again from 1987 to 1990. For many years Virginia played the piano for worship services at Arkell Hall. Virginia believed in being a contributor to the up building of society. She was a Charter Member of the Park Forest, Illinois Lady Lions Club and also served as President of the Club in 1955. In 1952, Mrs. Laug became a Charter Member of the Homewood Reformed Church in Homewood, Illinois. While serving as the Chairman of the "Reading and Library Committee" of the P.T.A. in Union, Missouri from 1960 to 1962, Mrs. Laug was instrumental in founding the Edna Stuckel Memorial Library in Union. Mrs. Laug served as Treasurer and Secretary of the Van Alstyne Homestead Society of Canajoharie. She served as Secretary, Vice President, and President of the Monday Evening Club of Canajoharie. On June 13, 1994 she was placed on the Honor Roll of the New York State General Federation of Women's Clubs for their 100 year anniversary. She received numerous Creative Writing Awards from the NYSGFWC. Mrs. Laug was also a member of Canajoharie Smith-Schultz American Legion Post #222. In 2001 Virginia received the "Good Neighbor" award from Liberty ARC of Montgomery County for her kindness extended toward their residents. Mrs. Laug was an avid Bridge player who attended Junior Master Level through sanctioned tournaments. She especially enjoyed Bridge Clubs with her friends. On August 6, 1948 she married Maurice C. Laug at Bethany Reformed Church in Grand Rapids, Michigan. They shared 61 years together until his passing in February 2010. Mrs. Laug is survived by her three daughters, Deborah A. and Ronald Limoncelli of Palatine Bridge, NY, Nancy H and Stephen Herron of Fort Plain, NY, Lise L. and Michael Cappuccio of Amsterdam, NY; son, M. Charles Laug, Jr. of Pella, IA; and a sister, Mary Lou Koop of Hamilton, MI. She is also survived by 5 grandchildren, Adam Laug, Andrea Laug, Amy Laug, Aaron Baxter, Alison Limoncelli, and 8 great-grandchildren; as well as several nieces, nephews, and cousins. Virginia was an incredibly wise, kind, and loving woman. Whether it was over a cup of tea and conversation at the kitchen table or in a note attached to homemade soup and cookies made for a shut-in, Virginia embraced everyone she met with open arms and kind compassionate words of joy and wisdom. Mrs. Laug's family invites you to join them in celebrating her life on Sunday, October 26, 2014 with calling hours from 10:00AM until 12:00 Noon. The funeral service will immediately follow at Noon at Houghtaling & Smith Funeral Home, Inc., 20 Otsego Street, Canajoharie, NY 13317. Those wishing to make a contribution in memory of Mrs. Virginia C. Hemmes Laug please consider the Maurice and Virginia Laug Scholarship Fund, Checks are to be made payable to Hope College, with Virginia Laug Scholarship Fund denoted in memo. Please mail to Hope College Advancement Services, PO Box 9000, Holland, MI 49422. To share a memory of Mrs. Laug or offer condolences to her family please visit