Virginia M. Svoboda died peacefully at her home in Scarsdale, N.Y. on May 10, 2023, at the age of 80.
Ginny, as she was known, was born on May 21, 1942, in Mount Vernon, N.Y., to John and Theresa Greges. After graduating from Resurrection Academy in Rye, she received an Associate Degree in Nursing from St. Vincent’s Nursing School in New York City. She worked as a nurse at Lawrence Hospital in Bronxville, and later was a hospice nurse in her community.
In 1965, she married her high school sweetheart, Donald E. Svoboda. They eventually settled in Scarsdale, where they raised their children and lived for more than 40 years.
For many years, Mrs. Svoboda was an active member of the Scarsdale Junior League. She and her husband joined Coveleigh Club in 1973, where they remained active members. Coveleigh was a second home to them, said their children, and they made many lasting friendships there. Mrs. Svoboda served in leadership roles on the club’s Board of Governors and was on the admissions committee for more than 20 years.
An avid tennis player, she also chaired the Women’s MITL in Westchester County for several years.
She was an active parishioner at Immaculate Heart of Mary Catholic Church in Scarsdale for over fifty years and taught CCD classes there.
Ginny Cvoboda leaves behind many devoted and cherished friends and family members, who she gathered throughout a lifetime of kindness and giving. You could often spot her on the boardwalk at Coveleigh, with her red hair and sun visor, and she was always ready to give a smile and lend a listening ear.
Her greatest joy was watching her four grandchildren grow and flourish. “Mom Mom”, as they called her, attended as many of their sporting events and school and theater performances as possible. Nothing gave her more pleasure than being with her family, and her cats.
In addition to her husband of 58 years, Donald E. Svoboda, she is survived by her children, Donald E. Svoboda Jr. (Catherine) of Rye, and Arlene M. Brogan (Tim) of Wayne, PA; her four grandchildren: Julia, Laura, Timothy, and Claire; and her sister, Irene Van Deren (Edwin) of Wayne, N.J.
A funeral mass was held May 23 at The Immaculate Heart of Mary Catholic Church in Scarsdale.
Donations in Ginny Svoboda’s memory may be made to Catholic Charities Archdiocese of New York, Office of Development, 11th floor, 1011 First Avenue, New York, NY 10022.
