Virginia (Weltmer) Kassel, longtime Upper East Sider, television producer, and Bryn Mawr alumna, passed away May 15, 2026 in New York City, at the age of 93.

Born in Omaha, Nebraska, she was the daughter of Tyler and Inez Weltmer. She attended Brownell-Talbot School, graduating in 1950, before earning her A.B. in English from Bryn Mawr College in 1954.

Virginia made her mark in public television, most notably as Series Producer and co-creator of The Adams Chronicles on PBS. She was nominated for the Emmy Award for Outstanding Limited Series in 1976 and 1977 for that work, and her influence in broadcasting and historical programming was widely respected.

Beyond her television career, Virginia was deeply engaged in civic life. She served on the Board of Directors of the Women’s City Club of New York, advocating for urban improvement, women’s rights, and effective city governance.

Though she had no siblings or children, Virginia is survived by her extended family in Guthrie Center, Iowa, and Hillsborough, North Carolina, as well as by a wide circle of friends, former colleagues, and classmates.

A graveside service will be held on Tuesday, May 26, 2026, 10:30 am, at Grange Hall Cemetery, 20352 State Highway B, Rock Port, MO, 64482. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the cemetery.