Virginia A. Yanchus (Ginny), 86, of Colts Neck, NJ, entered the house of the Lord peacefully on Sunday, May 25, 2025.

Ginny was born in Abington, PA to the late Harriet and Nicholas Alexander, the eldest of three sisters. Ginny’s family moved frequently during her childhood, living in many places including New York, California, Pennsylvania, and Ohio. These experiences sparked a lifelong love of travel and adventure. She graduated from Central Bucks High School in Doylestown, PA and Susquehanna University (with honors), married Ray Yanchus, welcomed daughters Beth and Sue, and settled in Green Brook, NJ. She worked as a middle school teacher in Bergenfield, NJ until a devasting brain tumor at age 26 changed her life forever. However, it never changed her faith, her resilience, her positive attitude, or her unconditional love for all who were blessed to know her. By the grace of God, Ginny overcame almost impossible odds to enjoy her life for another 60 years.

She was a devout Christian, attending the First Presbyterian Churches of Dunellen, Freehold, and the Colts Neck Reformed Church throughout various stages of her life. Ginny was an active member of her church choir and women’s circle, and volunteered with Church World Service, where she regularly helped sort clothing for families in need. She also participated in Relay for Life for many years as a cancer survivor. She was a big fan of Dancing with the Stars, the Mets and Jack Nicklaus. Her favorite singers were Barbara Streisand, the Platters, and Englebert Humperdinck, whom she was thrilled to once see live in concert from the second row. She also loved playing board games—especially Trivial Pursuit, Travel Jeopardy, and Rummikub—and was a fierce competitor when it came to Scrabble.

Above all, Ginny cherished spending time with her family, especially during their annual summer road trips to visit loved ones across the United States. They also explored many national parks, as well as historic, picturesque, and other unusual destinations from the East to the West coast. Ginny loved attending Broadway shows and doing girls’ trips with her sisters and mother, including an unforgettable trip to Europe. Later in life, her greatest joys were visiting, Face Timing with, and learning the latest news of her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Friends and family alike have called Ginny their inspiration, their hero, and a true fighter who never let her physical limitations stop her from living a fulfilling life. She showed us how to live with grace, never giving up—even in the hardest times—and set a gold standard to which we can all aspire.

Ginny is predeceased by her parents and former husband Ray Yanchus.

Surviving are her daughters Beth Burke (Bob) and Sue Dyer (Jeff); sisters Beverly Robinson (Dr. Alan) and Kay Gerth (Sam); five grandchildren – Jessica, Brett, Allie, Emily, and Sierra; and four great-grandchildren – Garret, Ayden, Ava, and Easton.

A private burial will be held on May 31 at Green Mount Cemetery, Baltimore, MD.

A memorial gathering will be held starting from 11:00am, with a memorial service at 11:45am at Colts Neck Reformed Church, 139 Route 537, Colts Neck, NJ.

To celebrate her life rather than mourn her passing, please feel free to wear colors other than than black (such as her favorite – blue)!

In lieu of traditional remembrances, donations may be made in her memory to the National Brain Tumor Society.

For messages of condolences, or to share a favorite memory of Ginny, please visit her page of tribute at www.HolmdelFuneralHome.com