Ballston Center – Virginia Rose Van Vranken, 64, passed away on Tuesday, Jan. 19, 2016 at Saratoga Hospital after a courageous battle with T-cell lymphoma.

Born on Feb. 17, 1951 in Troy, NY she was the daughter of the late Kenneth and Loretta Rose. On Aug. 19, 1973 she married the love of her life, Lyle A. Van Vranken and they spent 42 wonderful years together.  Virginia earned a Bachelor's degree from SUNY Plattsburg and a Master's degree in Social Work from SUNY Albany.

Virginia began her working career at Maplewood Manor Nursing Home and went on to become Executive Director of Hospitality House in Albany. She also worked as an independent social work consultant for twenty-five years. She was an adjunct professor of social work for Skidmore College and SUNY Albany and concluded her career at Saratoga Hospital Nursing Home retiring in May 2014. Virginia was a member and deacon of the Charlton Freehold Presbyterian Church.

Virginia was a very loving person whose empathy for others made her an extraordinary advocate in her field. Her personality and sense of humor left a lasting impact on anyone that she met. She loved gardening/yard work, birds, cooking, crafting and spending time with family, friends and her beloved dogs. We will all miss her deeply.

In addition to her husband Lyle, she is survived by her son Jared D. (Noelle L.) Van Vranken of Malvern, PA; sisters Margaret Rose House of Franklin, MA and Martha C. Rose of Garland, TX.

Relatives and friends may call from 10 am to 12 noon on Saturday, Jan. 23, 2016 at the William J. Burke & Sons/Bussing & Cunniff  Funeral Homes, 628 North Broadway, Saratoga Springs (518-584-5373). A funeral home service will be conducted at noon and burial will be in the spring at Jonesville Cemetery.

The family would like to extend a special thanks to Dr. David Mastrianni and the staff of Saratoga Oncology/Hematology.

Donations may be made in Virginia's memory to the Animal Protective Foundation, 53 Maple Ave., Scotia, NY 12302, or to a charity of one's choice.

Online remembrances may be made at www.burkefuneralhome.com