Virginia "Ginnie" (Dutkevitch) Lastowka

Virginia “Ginnie” Ann Lastowka, age 79, of Wheat Ridge, Colorado—formerly a resident of Springfield, Pennsylvania—passed away peacefully on April 3, 2025, surrounded by her four children. A beloved wife, mother, and grandmother, Ginnie, will always be remembered for her humor, kindness, and natural inclination towards helping others.

Born on July 11, 1945, in Scranton, Pennsylvania, Ginnie was the daughter of the late Frank Dutkevitch and Stella Jaworski and younger sister to the late Evelyn Dutkevitch.

She graduated from Central High School in Scranton, where she was crowned “Miss Golden Eagle”, and received a diploma in Nursing from the Community Medical Center East.

Ginnie began her nursing career at Delaware County Memorial Hospital in 1968, before transitioning to clinical research in 1994. After decades of devoted service, she retired in 2012. 

In 2018, Ginnie relocated from Springfield to Colorado to be closer to her family and grandsons. In Colorado, she quickly became an active member at the Wheat Ridge Active Adult Center, enjoying various outings, including theater trips, luncheons, playing mahjong, and exploring the state.

Ginnie was very devoted to her family and instilled this value in each of her children. She thoroughly enjoyed their weekly video chats, holiday celebrations, and numerous vacations. She was also known to hold her own on the dance floor. 

As a lifelong animal lover, Ginnie contributed to many wildlife-related nonprofits, cared for several cats throughout her life, and always befriended the various pets in her neighborhood.

Ginnie was a loving mother to Karen Smith, Lynda Lastowka, Deborah Lastowka, and Andrew Lastowka, their spouses and partners, and a cherished grandmother to Owen and Everett Clough. She is predeceased by her husband, Martin Lastowka, and is survived by many nieces, nephews, cousins, and siblings-in-law who will miss her dearly.

Relatives and friends are invited to her Viewing Monday, April 28, 2025 9:30 a.m. at Saint Francis of Assisi Church, 136 Saxer Ave. Springfield, PA, 19064 and to her Funeral Mass 10:30 a.m. in the Church. Burial SS. Peter and Paul Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to Front Range Freedom Rescue, https://www.frontrangefreedomrescue.org

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