Virginia Matz Eich, 86, of Fayetteville passed away on Wednesday at home with her family. Virginia was born and raised in Detroit, Michigan. She was the fourth of six children of Edgar and Jean Matz. In the family tradition, Virginia attended the University of Michigan where she was a member of Alpha Xi Delta Sorority. It was there that she met medical student Robert Henry Eich who was to become her husband and best friend of nearly 62 years. Following a medical school graduation and wedding ceremony in the same weekend the couple moved to Syracuse. Virginia supported her husband in his career as a cardiologist and began raising her family.
Summer trips to Cape Cod and to the family cottage in Alpena, Michigan were family favorites. Along with husband, Bob, she traveled the world making lifelong friends from as far away as Japan. Virginia was active in scouting when her children were young, a member of the Upstate Faculty Guild, The Urban League, The Auxiliary at Upstate Medical Center and the Fayetteville Garden Club.
Always interested in gardening she earned the rank of Master Gardener. Virginia had a devoted circle of friends whom she loved and had enjoyed playing bridge with her new friends at the Fayetteville Senior Center. She will be remembered for her sense of humor, keen intellect and love of movies, reading, politics and the arts.
Virginia was predeceased by her husband Dr. Robert Eich, sister Joanne Brubaker and brother William Matz.
She will be greatly missed by daughters Carolyn (Cynthia) Eich, Adrienne Mylott, Janet (John) Conley and son Douglas (Priscilla) Eich; grandchildren Austin Mylott, Kelcey and Caleb Conley and Tasker and Owen Eich; also by her sisters Barbara Borger, Marilyn Matz and Diane Halman.
In lieu of flowers contributions in Virginia’s memory may be made to The Foundation for Upstate Medical University, directed to the Dr. Robert Eich Memorial Fellow Education Fund, 750 East Adams Street, CAB 326, Syracuse, NY 13210.
Calling hours will be from 2 pm to 4 pm on July 31 at Eaton-Tubbs Fayetteville Chapel, 7191 E. Genesee Street, Fayetteville.