Virginia J. (Petri) Dressell

Virginia J. (Petri) Dressell, age 96, passed away peacefully on Monday, March 6, 2023 at Sixteen Acres Healthcare Center in Springfield. Virginia was born in Holyoke, daughter of the late Peter and Eva M. (Equi) Petri, and was a 1944 graduate of the former Rosary High School in Holyoke; she moved to South Hadley in 1948 and lived there for most of her life. She was the secretary at Mount Holyoke College for many years until her retirement in 1988. Virginia was an avid walker, 4H Leader, member of Mass. Senior Action Committee, and longtime parishioner of Saint Patrick Church. She was predeceased by her husband, Raymond Dressell, in 1985. She is survived by a daughter, Jo-Ann Tolliver of Holyoke; a son, Michael J. Dressell and his wife, Annukka, of Friendship, ME; five grandchildren: Axel Dressell, Anders Dressell, James Tolliver, Jeremy Tolliver, and Joel Tolliver (Theresa); four great-grandchildren: Tryston, Jayden, Bruce, and Penelope, and many nieces and nephews. Calling hours will be held on Thursday, March 23rd from 9:00 to 10:15 am at the Barry J. Farrell Funeral Home, 2049 Northampton Street, Holyoke. The funeral procession will begin at the funeral home at 10:15 am, followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at 11:00 am at Saint Patrick Church, 30 Main Street, South Hadley Falls, and burial at Village Cemetery, South Hadley. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in memory of Virginia to Shriner’s Hospital, 516 Carew Street, Springfield MA 01104.

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