Obituary of Virginia Tanko

Virginia "Ginny" Tanko, 83, passed away peacefully on April 16, 2024 at Luther Crest Nursing Home in Allentown, PA with her beloved daughters by her side. Virginia was born on August 25, 1940 in Rahway, NJ to the late William and Maryanne "Waseleski" Sysock. She graduated from Woodbridge High School - Class of 1958. She went back to school later in life and earned her college degree in Landscape Architecture from Rutgers University. Virginia was employed by the Planning and Development Department for the Township of Woodbridge for more than 20 years until her retirement in 2006. Virginia's lifelong passion was art. She took art classes throughout her life and attended the Baum School of Art in Allentown when she was 81 years young. Her favorite mediums were watercolor and pastels. Her love of both art and travel resulted in trips to England, France and Italy where she painted some of her best works. She entered her art in many local exhibits and won many awards, often First Place. Another place which showcased her talent was in her gardens. She designed and maintained a beautiful Victorian garden at her 1860's Victorian home in Sewaren, NJ. Each year, students from Rutgers would visit and enjoy Virginia's gardens, as well as many of her artist friends who would enjoy painting in the gardens. She was very proud of both her gardens and her Victorian home which she restored and decorated impeccably in the Victorian style. Virginia met the love of her life, Bob Tanko, when she was just 16. It was during the 4th of July fireworks in Perth Amboy, NJ that Virginia and Bob first set eyes on each other. Virginia told her daughters that it was love at first sight. They were married for 60 years before her loving husband Bob passed away in October 2020. Along with enjoying art and gardening, Ginny also loved spending time with her family, and enjoyed having holiday meals together. She enjoyed shopping (very much) and was quite the fashionista. No outfit was complete until she found the perfect hat to go with it. She had a unique style and loved dressing up in fun and interesting outfits. She also enjoyed antique shopping with Bob. Ginny loved her many chow-chows and pugs over the years and her pug Jezabel was her loyal companion in the years since Bob passed away. (Jezabel now resides with Cheryl). Virginia is survived by her daughters, Cheryl Taylor of Slatington, PA and Virginia Curry (Robert) of Allentown, PA; a sister Geraldine Waterman and a grandson Travis. She was an interesting and quirky lady and will be missed. She will be forever in our hearts. Family and friends may pay their respects on Saturday April 27, 2024 from 11 AM – 12 PM at the Warren Hills Memorial Home. 234 W. Washington Ave. Washington, NJ 07882. A Memorial Service celebrating Virginia's life will begin at 12:00 PM at the funeral home. Funeral Arrangements have been entrusted to Warren Hills Memorial Home. To send an online condolence please visit www.warrenhillsmemorialhome.com