Virginia Carol Jurkowski

Virginia Carol Jurkowski, affectionately known as "Babcia," passed away on June 18, 2025, in Phillipsburg, New Jersey, at the age of 84. Born on March 21, 1941, in Trenton, New Jersey, Carol was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, and friend who touched the lives of many with her warmth and compassion.

A proud graduate of Somerville High School, Class of 1959, Carol dedicated her life to her family and her passions. She was a volunteer of the 4-H Program from 1975 to 1997 and founder of the Udder Joy Kids 4-H Goat Club in Hunterdon County, where her love for animals, especially goats and dogs, flourished. Carol shared her joy for gardening through the cultivation of vegetables and herbs, and her culinary skills were cherished by her family, as she often cooked, canned, and baked their favorite meals. No holiday meal was ever complete unless it had Babcia's homemade bread.  Her love for spaghetti, ravioli, and margarita pizza will be fondly remembered by those who enjoyed her cooking.

Carol's vibrant personality was reflected in her hobbies and many homemade crochet items were given to family throughout her life. She had a particular fondness for listening to Irish music, especially the works of Daniel O'Donnell, and she eagerly embraced the Christmas spirit, starting her celebrations each October. A loyal supporter of her favorite football teams—particularly the San Francisco 49ers, the Penn State Nittany Lions, and the Texas Aggies—she could often be found cheering loudly for her teams. Carol also delighted in playing board and card games such as Monopoly and Rummy 500, creating cherished memories with family and friends.

Carol leaves behind her beloved husband, Bernard J. Jurkowski, alongside her loving children: Bernard & Pam Jurkowski of Jersey Shore, PA; Sherril & Matt Peterson of Flemington, NJ; Kimberly & Dennis Clark of Sealy, TX; Chrissy and Tom Iszo of Asbury, NJ; and Brian & Marcy Jurkowski of Warren, PA. She is further survived by her eight siblings: Marie, Lois, Anthony, Margie, Joseph, Lynn, Betty Jean, and Debbie. Carol's legacy continues with her thirteen grandchildren: Bradley (Liz) Snyder, Britt (Dustin) Caso, Mark (Katie) Peterson, Jake (Emma) Peterson, Harlee (Jacob) Wainwright, Hunter Clark, Thomas Clark, Bobby (Ava) Stevely III, Sandra Stevely (David Lovering), Rebecca (Dan) Hatch, Brooke (Owen) Summers, Kylie Jurkowski, and Katelyn Jurkowski, along with fifteen great-grandchildren (and one more on the way!), as well as several cousins, nieces and nephews.

She was predeceased by her parents, Frank and Carrie Bell (Whitehead) Russo, her brother, Frank Russo in 2010, and her son-in-law, Bobby Stevely, Jr. in 2007.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11:00 am on Saturday, June 21, 2025 at Our Lady of Victories Roman Catholic Church, 1005 County Road 519, Frenchtown, NJ 08825. Interment will follow at Locust Grove Cemetery in Quakertown NJ. Calling hour will be Saturday from 10:00 am until the time of service at the church.

Funeral arrangements are under the direction of Holcombe-Fisher Funeral Home, 147 Main St., in Flemington NJ 08822. For further information or to leave an online condolence, please visit www.holcombefisher.com.

Memorial contributions in Carol's memory may be made to St. Luke's Hospital - Warren Campus, Intensive Care Unit, 185 Roseberry St, Phillipsburg, NJ 08865.

Virginia Carol Jurkowski will be remembered for her incredible spirit, nurturing nature, and profound love for her family. Her legacy will continue to inspire all who had the privilege of knowing her.