Obituary: Virginia Jeane Wilber
Virginia Jeane “Shay” Wilber, born in Albany, N.Y. on October 7, 1979 to the parents of Mr. and Mrs. David F. Wilber III, died unexpectedly at home on May 20, 2015.
Shay grew up in Oneonta, N.Y. where she attended Valleyview Elementary and Oneonta Middle School. During High School, she attended Miss Hall’s School in Pittsfield, Mass. where she discovered her love of photography.
After graduating from Miss Halls School, she continued her studies at Columbia University with the Biosphere 2 Center in, Oracle, Ariz., Environmental Science at Rollins College in Winter Park, then studied Applied Science and Veterinary Technology at Bel-Rea Institute of Animal Technology in Denver, Colo. where she graduated with high honors.
During her work career, she was a Raptor Rehabilitator at Birds of Prey Foundation, and a CVT at Caring Hands Veterinary Hospital, Northside Emergency Animal Clinic, Sarasota Veterinary Emergency Hospital and most recently at Cape Cod Veterinary Specialist in Buzzards Bay.
Shay was involved with numerous sea and land missions rescuing bald eagles, giraffes, seals and hand-fed baby opossums near her family home.
In her younger years she was an avid skier, tennis player and member of the Brat Pack Soccer team, which won two New York State Championships under the direction of her father and Herb Simmerly. She continued playing soccer at Miss Hall’s and Rollins College.
Most recently, Shay published some of her photos on greeting cards for the benefit of the General Henderson Nicholas Herkimer chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution, which she was a proud member. Shay had a love of photography which she joyfully shared with her family and friends.
Shay is predeceased by her grandparents, Mr. and Mrs. Donald F. Walker, and George and Virginia Wilber Reynolds, David Forrest Wilber, Uncle Ted Reynolds and devoted dog, Lakota.
She is survived by her parents, David and Scotty Wilber of Springfield Center and Boca Grande; her siblings, Lisa M. Wilber of Van Hornesville, N.Y., Kimberly P. Wilber of Naples, David F. and Lesley Wilber IV of Oneonta, N.Y., Jamie and James Hotaling of Richmondville, N.Y., Shawn and Laura Wilber of Spanish Fort, Ala., George I. Wilber II and Amanda Barber of Wells Bridge, N.Y., Tyler and Gretchen Wilber of Albany, N.Y.; uncles James, Robert, Fred, and Jeff Reynolds, Cap Walker; and aunt, Janet Reynolds; as well as 19 cousins and 15 loving nephews and nieces.
Memorial donations in her honor may be given to Birds of Prey, birds-ofprey.org/#!donate/c1vud
A celebration of Shay’s life will be held on Saturday, June 6 at the Farmers’ Museum, Louis C. Jones Center 5775 State Rte. 80 (Lake Road), Cooperstown, NY.
Expressions of sympathy may be made at lhpfuneralhome.com.
The Lewis, Hurley & Pietrobono Funeral Home, 51 Dietz St., Oneonta, is assisting the family.
