Virginia J. Luckner

Virginia (Johnson) Luckner, 93, of Southington, entered into eternal rest on Thursday, April 23, 2020, at Southington Care Center.  She was the beloved wife of the late Dermott G. Luckner for 71 years. Virginia was born on April 27, 1926, and was one of three children of the late Walter and Elsa (Palmquist) Johnson, both Swedish immigrants. Born and raised in the Black Rock section of Bridgeport, she graduated from Bassick High School and went to work for the John Goodsell Insurance Agency. Virginia and Dermott were married at Salem Lutheran Church in Bridgeport and settled in Trumbull. There, they raised their three daughters before moving to Southington, upon retirement. 
Virginia, “Jinny,” was kind, loving, compassionate, intuitive, had a great sense of humor and an amazing memory. Her life was centered around family, church and friends. She was a very good student growing up and won the essay contest for the city of Bridgeport in the eighth grade. Jinny was a naturally gifted musician who was well known for her beautiful singing voice from an early age. As a soloist, she sang many oratorios, weddings and funerals, and she was a member of her church choir for over 65 years. Virginia was also a talented artist; she excelled at drawing, oil painting, clothing design and sewing.
Jinny lived a rich life. In the summer months, she could often be found at the beach or pool, for she loved swimming which she continued to do well into her 80s. She was a voracious reader and was passionate about traveling. She toured the country with her husband Dermott, “Derm,” and their three daughters. In retirement, she and Derm visited much of Europe and enjoyed Hawaii and Bermuda together. Jinny gave back to her community through decades of volunteering on many service projects and programs, of which a favorite was Meals on Wheels.
Perhaps most important were the relationships Virginia built. She sent hundreds of cards and letters to friends and family throughout her life, never forgetting anyone’s special day. Jinny loved entertaining her many friends and family in her home with Derm by her side. She created lasting memories with her delicious home-cooked meals, freshly baked crispy cookies, brownies and cakes, game playing, slide shows, and lively conversations full of laughter. Jinny filled her home with many beautiful, fresh floral arrangements with flowers she picked from Dermott’s gardens.
As parents and grandparents, Jinny, along with her beloved Derm, spent countless hours nurturing their children and grandchildren. They supported their many interests and pursuits, attending all their music performances, sports games, special events and sharing in their passions big and small. Virginia couldn’t wait to become a great-grandmother. She always loved babies and was overjoyed each time another one was born into the family. Nothing made her happier than to see and hold a new little family member!
Virginia is survived by her three daughters: Gwynne Hopko and husband, Robert, Leana Gleicher, and Krista Rescsanski and husband, Paul, all of Southington; a brother, Kenneth Johnson and wife, Elizabeth “Lizzie” Johnson of California; seven grandchildren: Andrew (Kara) Hopko, Philip (Adriana) Hopko, Emily Hopko, Benjamin (Jessie) Gleicher, Nathaniel Gleicher, Kenneth (Beth) Rescsanski, and Britt (Ray) Lynch; eight great-grandchildren; and several nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by a brother and sister-in-law: Walter and Amanda Johnson.  
Funeral services will be held at St. Andrew Evangelical Lutheran Church, 1125 Stafford Avenue, Bristol with burial in South End Burying Ground, Southington, at a later date when all may attend.  In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Southington Care Center Pastoral Fund, 45 Meriden Ave. Southington, CT. 06489.
Funk Funeral Home, 35 Bellevue Ave., Bristol, is honored to serve the Luckner family. Please visit Virginia’s memorial website at www.FunkFuneralHome.com

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