Dec 11, 2022

On December 5, 2022, beloved wife and mother, Virginia Cole Vasko, known as Ginna, passed away peacefully. She lived a vibrant and fulfilling 57 years on this earth.

Ginna was a daughter of Mr. Ronald and Irene Cole of Bentleyville.

She graduated from Bentworth High School in 1983 and furthered her education at Clarion University of Pennsylvania earning a degree in Education. After graduating, she accepted a teaching position at Bentworth School District and taught there for 30 years. While teaching, Ginna also earned a Master of Science Degree in Education from California University of Pennsylvania. As known by many, Mrs. Vasko loved public education – this was truly her passion. Her leadership and dedication to education lead her to attain multiple distinguished awards including the Phoebe Hearst Outstanding Educator Award, Telly Award of Jefferson Vision Documentary, and Outstanding Advisor/Leo Club.

During her tenure at Bentworth, Mrs. Vasko sponsored the Leo Club (1989-2017), Ski Club (2000-2017), was part of the Bentworth Education Association (past president), Curriculum Team, District Leadership Team, and many other organizations. Mrs. Vasko was a profound writer; she co-wrote the national curriculum for the French and Indian War, supporting grants, and additional projects.

Ginna was a dreamer. After retiring from her first love of teaching, she fulfilled her lifelong dream of becoming a flight attendant for Republic Airlines. She attended to first class passengers in CRJ planes for two years. Though flying through the skies was her dream, the classroom was her home, and it was calling her back. Once again Mrs. Vasko was in the classroom, but now at Trinity Elementary.

Mrs. Vasko dedicated her life to others. Over the years her many volunteer and philanthropic organizations included The Alumni Board of Directors at Clarion University, The Bentleyville Lioness Club, The Bentleyville Leo Club, The Run for Alex, Girl Scouts of America, Bentworth Youth Softball, Patron for Creative Arts, the Washington City Mission, Pike Run 4-H, and The Washington County Fair.

In 2006, along with a few lifelong friends, she founded the Mrs. Claus Club of Bentleyville. The Mrs. Claus Club was known by all as a foundation dedicated to providing comfort baskets to local cancer patients. To date, the Mrs. Claus Club has delivered over 1,000 comfort baskets as well as providing support to the Hillman Cancer Center.

A sweet friend said, “We know she is already planning a fundraiser in heaven to continue to make sure things run smoothly. The other angels don’t know what hit them.”

She is survived by her husband of 33 years, William Vasko; their daughter, Emily Vasko Elliott (Nathan); brother, Joseph Cole; sisters, Chris Marinack, Shelly Loughman, Marianne Kolson and Tiki Kahle; and many nieces and nephews, Jessica Cole, Amanda Cole Sutton (Scott), Sarah Vasko Peck (Colin), Brian Vasko (Angie), Adam Vasko, Tyler Vasko and Dylan Vasko.

Friends will be received from 12 to 6 p.m. Saturday and Sunday, December 10 and 11, in Greenlee’s Bentleyville Funeral Home, 619 Main Street, Bentleyville. A private Mass of Christian Burial will be held, with the Rev. Edward Yuhas officiating.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorial contributions be made to the Mrs. Claus Club, 56 Lanik Road, Bentleyville, PA 15314.

Guest book and personal condolences may be accessed at www.GreenleeFuneralHome.com.