Virginia Mae (Ginny) Basalyga 85, formerly of Monaca, passed away on Tuesday, September 1, 2020 at NHC Place in Franklin, Tennessee.  She was born in Monaca, Pennsylvania on August 22, 1935 as the daughter of the late Lester Lawson Swartzwelder and Anna Mae (Smith).

She was the loving wife of John Basalyga, Jr. who preceded her in death in 2013.  They were married for over 59 years.  She was very adept at and enjoyed sewing, knitting, crochet, painting, and a number of other hobbies. Virginia was a lifelong member of the Monaca United Methodist Church where she taught Sunday School for many years, where she was married, and where she and John celebrated a 50 year Anniversary party in 2003.  Ginny was a 1953 graduate of Monaca High School.

Virginia was a wonderful wife, mother, sister, and friend to many.

She is survived by her four sons, Jeffrey (Barbara) Basalyga of Columbia, Tennessee; James (Donna) Basalyga of Kincaid, Illinois; Jerald Basalyga of Houston, Texas; and Joel (Melissa) Basalyga of Franklin, Tennessee.  She has four grandchildren Philip J. Basalyga (Karissa) in Tacoma, Washington; Antoinette M. Basalyga in Monaca; Jacquelyn E. Marsh (Jacob) in Missoula, Montana; and Alexander J. Basalyga in Kincaid, Illinois.  She is also survived by her brother and sisters Carol Edelen (William) in Bryantown, Maryland; Linda Cullember (Ronald) in Butler; Donald Watkins (Betty) in Waldorf, Maryland; and Hazel Truitt (Michael) in Wagener, South Carolina.

In addition to her parents and husband, Virginia was preceded in death by her beloved grandmother Allie Kane and brothers Harold L. Swartzwelder and William L. Watkins.

Interment will be at the National Cemetery of the Alleghenies with Reverend David Vaughn (retired) officiating.

In lieu of flowers contributions may be made in Virginia Basalyga’s memory to the Breast

Cancer Research Foundation bcrf.org.

To share online condolences, light a memorial candle, add photos, and other information, please visit the permanent memorial at simpsonfuneralhome.com.