Virginia B. Zeifang

Virginia Ann (Braas) Zeifang, 91, of Bedford, died June 16, 2024 at Boston Medical Center from complications following a stroke.

Born in Niagara Falls, NY on February 1, 1933, she was the daughter of Paul Nicholas and Mabel (Gates) Braas. As a member of the Zeta Tau Iota sorority, she graduated from Niagara Falls High School in 1951. Following graduation, Virginia was employed by E.I duPont de Nemours, a chemical company in Niagara Falls, where she worked for many years. Virginia married her high school sweetheart, Bernard J. Zeifang in 1957 and moved to Ardmore, PA. where she continued to work for duPont while Bernie finished dental school.

Upon Bernie’s graduation, they moved to Rochester NY, then to the neighboring town of Pittsford, where they settled and raised five children. When they were grown, she returned to the workforce at Cohoes Specialty Stores where she enjoyed many years of employment until her husband’s retirement. Virginia was an avid tennis player, playing several days a week well into her 80’s, until the covid pandemic forced her to stop. Devoted to their family, Virginia and Bernie eagerly attended many activities, sporting events and milestones of their children and grandchildren. They also enjoyed extensive travel through the US and Europe.

After Bernie’s passing in 2021, Virginia moved to be near her oldest daughter in Bedford, NH and became a resident of nearby Bowman Place. As a devout Catholic, she participated in and enjoyed the weekly Communion service and frequent rosary prayer group offered by the Deacon in residence at Bowman.

She delighted in spending time with her great grandchildren. 

She was predeceased by her parents and husband of 63 years; sisters, Marilyn B. Carr (Jack), Mary Patricia Irish (Rod), brother, Paul Gates Braas (Tanis); and brother in law, Donald P. Zeifang.

Virginia is survived by her children, Mary Ann Vailas and her husband, Nicholas of Bedford NH, Bernard F. Zeifang of Fort Lauderdale FL, William Zeifang and his wife Kimberly of Austin TX, Thomas Zeifang and his wife Amy of Danville CA and Patricia Zeifang of Portsmouth NH; grandchildren, James Vailas and his wife Hayley; Andrew, Thomas and Michael Vailas, all of NH; Callie and Jack Zeifang of CA ; David and Kendall Zeifang of TX, step granddaughter, Nicole (Vailas) Lane and her family of NH; great grandchildren, Luke, Vivian and William Vailas of NH, brother, Richard A. Braas of Adamstown MD; sisters in law, Joan Joyce of Glenview IL and Kathleen Zeifang of Washington DC, many nieces and nephews, and dear friend Connie Newton of PA. 

A gathering will take place Friday, August 2nd at St. Elizabeth Seton Church, Bedford from 10 AM to 11 AM with a Memorial Mass to follow in the Church at 11:00. Phaneuf Funeral Homes and Crematorium, Manchester, is in charge of arrangement. Please omit flowers. Donations may be made to Friends of Bowman at www.bowmanplace.org/friends-of-bowman/ which provides residents scholarships to stay at Bowman Place when resources are depleted. Donations may also be made to the Glaucoma Research Foundation at https://glaucoma.org/ or the Celiac Disease Foundation at https://celiac.org/. To view an online tribute, send condolences to the family, or for more information, visit www.phaneuf.net