Virginia H. Lauster

West Sand Lake- Virginia H. Lauster, 88, passed away peacefully at her home on January 8, 2026, surrounded by her family.

Born on May 3, 1937, in Albany, New York, Virginia was the daughter of the late Francis Hehre and Ruth Steed. She was raised with strong values of hard work, integrity, and service-qualities that would define her life and legacy.

Virginia was a proud graduate of Bethlehem High School and earned her degree in Accounting from Albany Business College. Her professional life reflected her organizational skill, diligence, and dedication to public service, through her role as Planning Board Secretary for the Town of Kinderhook.

Deeply committed to civic involvement, Virginia was a board member of the Sand Lake Seniors for five years. During her tenure, she co-chaired the Hospitality Committee and played an integral role in planning trips, gatherings, and events that fostered friendship, engagement, and joy among members.

Virginia was also a co-founder of the Brookside Tenants Association, where she proved to be a true trailblazer and advocate for others. Through her leadership, she was instrumental in upgrading the community's water well system and initiating the tenants' snow car removal program.

One of Virginia's greatest joys in life was being with her family. She was a loving mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother.

In addition to her parents, Virginia was predeceased by her son, Mark Lauster. She is survived by her children, Sharon (Gary) Harrington and Michele (late Paul) Conti; her grandchildren, Sarah Hopkins, Michael Brennan, Emily Brennan, and Gary Harrington, Jr.; her great-grandson, Decklyn Hopkins-Monington; and her siblings, Ruth Rohl and Anne Brabetz.

Relatives and friends are invited to visit with Virginia's family from 2:00-4:00 p.m. on Friday, January 16, 2025, at the Thomas P. Mooney Funeral Home, 11 Elm St. Nassau, NY 12123. A funeral service will take place at the conclusion of the visitation period at 4:00 p.m. Inurnment will be held in the spring at Woodlawn Cemetery in Valatie.