Virginia McCallum Syer died on July 27, 2026, at her home in Florida. She was predeceased by her husband John Ballard (“Jack”) Syer, her parents Virginia and Robert McCallum, and her siblings Mary (“Bickie”) McDonnell and Robert McCallum Jr. She is survived by her son John Ballard Syer Jr. (wife Beth) and daughter Virginia Syer Genereux (husband Mike), four granddaughters (Vaughan and Virginia Syer, Josephine and Grace Genereux), as well as two nieces and three nephews and their families.

Virginia was born on July 8, 1941 and raised in Memphis, Tennessee. She graduated from The Masters School in Dobbs Ferry, New York and attended Hollins College in Roanoke, Virginia. She and Jack raised their children in Virginia Beach, Virginia, where she volunteered with many community organizations, including the Chrysler Museum, Norfolk General Hospital, the Virginia Beach Garden Club, Norfolk Botanical Gardens, the Junior League and Galilee Episcopal Church. She and Jack moved to Charlottesville in 1993, when he became President of the University of Virginia Alumni Association. She embraced this new chapter in a vibrant public university town.

Virginia was a skilled racquets player, bridge player and gardener. She was an excellent cook and also enjoyed golf. She and Jack loved their early retirement years together in Charlevoix, Michigan and Gulf Stream, Florida. 

Virginia’s highest joy was her family. She was Jack’s sole caregiver during his four-year battle with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), from 2015 to 2019. She often remarked that being able to take care of him was her life’s greatest blessing. Virginia’s ashes will be placed next to Jack’s at the University of Virginia Columbarium.

The family wishes to thank Rosemarie Chamberlain and Olive Knight for their loving care and companionship. Memorial contributions may be made to the Belvedere Club Scholarship Fund (checks payable to the Charlevoix County Community Foundation and mailed to P.O. Box 218, Charlevoix, MI 49720). Inurnment will be private.