Virginia F. Zic, 88, a longtime resident of Newtown, died February 5, after a lengthy illness. She was born in Chicago in 1928, a daughter of the late Mary (Kersul) and Joseph Zic.

Ms Zic earned a BA in philosophy from DePaul University, as well as advanced degrees in painting and drawing and advertising design from Villa Schifanoia Graduate School of Fine Arts in Florence, Italy, and Syracuse University, respectively. She taught for 35 years, from 1965 until her retirement, at Sacred Heart University in Fairfield. She founded the art department there, for which she created concentrations in painting, illustration, and graphic design, and which she chaired for three decades.

An active member of the university community, she will be best remembered by her colleagues and students as a dedicated teacher and consummate professional. A superb artist, Ms Zic's paintings - distinguished by their expressionism and vibrant colors - were often exhibited, and currently grace the homes of her many admirers and friends.

A champion of the fine arts, she was active in several national and local professional organizations, including the American Society of Contemporary Artists, Connecticut Women Artists, Connecticut Chapter of Women's Caucus for Art, and the Society of Creative Artists of Newtown (SCAN).

Survived by nieces and nephews as well as a host of devoted friends and students, Ms Zic will be missed by all who treasured her loving nature and unwavering integrity.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated Thursday, February 18, at 11 am, in St Rose of Lima Church, 46 Church Hill Road, Newtown.

Honan Funeral Home, Newtown is in charge of arrangements.

To leave an online condolence visit www.honanfh.com.