CELEBRATION AND MEMORIAL GIFTS
A wonderful way to honor a loved one is through a celebration or memorial gift to RIF of NOVA. Through such a gift, the love of reading, books, and literature can be passed to a new generation of young readers in the Northern Virginia community. If you would like to recognize a living family member, friend, neighbor, teacher, colleague, any other important person in your life, please consider a "celebration gift." We will gladly tell their story on this page, in our newsletter, and in our social media. Contact us at [email protected].
If you would like to memorialize a loved one in this manner, please let us know. We would be honored to share their story in our newsletter and on our website. Please contact us at [email protected]. Donations are gratefully accepted at rifnova.org/donate.
If you would like to memorialize a loved one in this manner, please let us know. We would be honored to share their story in our newsletter and on our website. Please contact us at [email protected]. Donations are gratefully accepted at rifnova.org/donate.
In Memory of RIF of NOVA's James (Jim) Abrams
by daughter Leslie Martin
by daughter Leslie Martin
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James (Jim) Joseph Abrams of Springfield, Virginia passed away peacefully in his home surrounded by his family after a lengthy battle with cancer. He is survived by his loving wife Jo Ann of 40 years, his daughter Leslie, and son in law Sean Martin.
Jim was born on June 10, 1945 in Missoula, Montana. He attended Loyola Sacred Heart Academy in Missoula and then served four years in the United States Air Force. Upon completing his term of service, he enrolled in East Tennessee University where he obtained his undergraduate degree. After relocating to Virginia, he worked in the U.S. government's Office of Personnel Management and later at Toyota as a parts and service manager for local dealerships. He took joy in connecting people to the things they needed. Jim followed his passion for barbeque and opened The Rib Rack. He and Jo Ann ran the Memphis barbeque restaurant for ten years. His next career took him to teaching. At 60 years old, Jim went back to school, graduating from George Mason University with a Masters in Education. He worked as a special education teacher for the Edison Academy for many years. Jim was an lifelong fan of the Redskins national football team. He never could transition the name change to the Commanders. No worries Dad, none of us did! In retirement he was entertained by his two cats, watching America’s Got Talent and Dancing With The Stars, reading all of David Baldacci's books, and making sinful desserts to share with his friends. He was a giving man and was known to help anyone he could. Jim was never at a loss for words and would often strike up conversation with strangers and end up laughing about a serendipitous connection back to Missoula, Montana. Jim loved a good laugh. Jim, along with his wife, have been longtime members of Reading is Fundamental of Northern Virginia, a charity that assists with helping motivate children to read and provides them with free books of their choosing. Jim served most recently as NOVA RIF's vice president. Jo Ann currently serves as treasurer. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that contributions be made in memory of Jim to Reading is Fundamental of Northern Virginia at this link. |
Jim is shown in the middle at the 2019 RIF of NOVA Book It For Books 5K race
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In Memory of Dr. Jeannette Regetz
by RIF of NOVA board members Sheryl Leeds and Gayle Kelley
by RIF of NOVA board members Sheryl Leeds and Gayle Kelley
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Dr. Jeannette Regetz, lifelong resident of Arlington, VA and former Peace Corp volunteer in Ethiopia, as well as an Arlington Public Schools Chapter I Reading Specialist, passed away April 8 in Greensboro, NC, where she was living with her daughter Suzann, son-in-law, and two beautiful granddaughters. Jeannette was a lover of life and nature. She spent her retirement years relaxing, dining, and traveling with friends and family. She traveled to Alaska to visit her son Jonathan, made yearly visits to her beloved beach house on Topsail Island, NC and to Dunedin, Florida to catch up with friends. She also did bird-watching trips to Costa Rica, attended her book club in Belize, and visited the red rocks of Sedona. She enjoyed playing mahjong and scrabble, putting together jigsaw puzzles, gardening, and reading. During her long career as an educator, which included earning a PhD at Virginia Tech University, Jeannette always pursued innovative ways to help her students. She trained as a Reading Recovery teacher and worked one-on-one with first graders who were having difficulty learning to read. This led her to more research with colleagues and to presenting workshops on reading assessment, teaching strategies, and parental involvement at local, state, and national reading conferences. Jeannette was also involved with Reading is Fundamental of NOVA, first as a school liaison and then as a liaison for the APS Language Arts program, where she chose and ordered books for many of the district's elementary schools. Jeannette was beloved by her students, colleagues, and family, but her legacy lives on in the many lives she touched. Her family has requested that she be remembered with a memorial donation to RIF of NOVA. To do that, please click here. |
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In Memory of a Beloved Aunt Jim and Karen Calpin gave a gift to RIF of NOVA in memory of Jim's aunt, Mary McElhinney of Vandling, PA. She was a retired elementary school teacher who taught for over 25 years in the school districts around Joliet, IL. In retirement, she taught computer classes to senior citizens at the Forest City (PA) Library and was leader of the library's book club. She also aided with the library's children's reading program. She will always be remembered as someone who loved libraries, reading, learning, and teaching. |
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Gifts In Appreciation of Mary Kach Chapin (1962-2022)
by NOVA RIF board member Sari Warren Mary Chapin’s life was filled with friends, books, and reading. She believed in the power of books and the community we build when we share them. Twenty-two years ago, when we had young children and were looking for some “grown-up” time, Mary and I had an idea to start a book club. We each invited a few friends who then invited a few friends -- and we built a group of 10 women who didn’t know each other but had a common interest in reading. When we had our first meeting in September 2000, we had no idea that our group of 10 strangers would grow to become so important to one another. Over the next 20+ years, we met monthly and read and discussed hundreds of books covering every conceivable genre. Mary was a member of at least two and sometimes even three book groups through the years. I know for a fact that Mary cherished the friendships she had with all of her book club members, even though keeping up with all of the reading was sometimes stressful. There were times when she finished the book just hours before the meeting! Mary was diagnosed with Glioblastoma in September of 2020 and bravely battled the disease until she passed away in August, 2022. Many people in our Northern Virginia community were devastated by her loss and wanted to do something to honor Mary’s spirit, joy, and love of reading. As the 2022 holiday season approached, our book club decided on a donation to RIF of NOVA because of the great work that RIF of NOVA does and Mary’s connection to the organization and several of its board members. |
Some of Mary’s close friends and her husband, Doug, also attended and/or contributed to RIF of NOVA's 50th anniversary Golden Gala. In addition, Doug donated the family's gently used children's books to RIF of NOVA so that other children could enjoy books that the Chapin children had outgrown.
We appreciate all of the people who paid tribute to Mary by supporting RIF of NOVA and its critical mission. I know she would feel very loved and honored to be remembered in this way. |
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Celebration Gifts to Honor Lynda Johnson Robb
Lynda Johnson Robb is a longtime supporter of books for children through both the national RIF organization and through RIF of NOVA. Her daughter Lucinda Robb and friends (and former RIF board members) Carol Sisco and Margy McNamara Pastor attended NOVA RIF's Golden Gala and contributed in celebration of Lynda Robb's efforts to provide books and promote reading for Northern Virginia children. Margy McNamara's mother, Margaret McNamara, founded Reading is Fundamental in 1966 when she realized that many children she was tutoring had no books of their own. NOVA RIF was founded six years later in 1972. (See Our History for details.)
Lucinda Robb (l) and mom Lynda Johnson Robb
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Lynda Johnson Robb (m) is flanked by Carol Sisco (l) and Margy McNamara Pastor
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A Celebration Gift to Honor Sheryl Leeds
Janet Horwitz has contributed a celebration gift in honor of her friend Sheryl Leeds -- with this designation: Thanks for all you do for education. Sheryl Leeds has, indeed, done a lot for education. With a degree in elementary education from the Ohio State University, she started her career as a classroom teacher, followed by several years as a reading teacher. For the last 10 years of her 33 years in the field, Sheryl served as the Title One supervisor for Arlington Public Schools. 
Sheryl Leeds (l) shows off her Cat in the Hat hat at the 2021 Book It 5K, along with volunteer Robin Whitmore (m) and board member Gayle Kelley (r)
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In that capacity, Sheryl was introduced to RIF of NOVA and its program to give books to deserving students. Wanting to continue to serve children in the community when she retired, she joined the RIF of NOVA board, serving as area co-chair for Alexandria and currently as Financial Secretary.
Sheryl puts a lot of FUN in Reading is FUNdamental of Northern Virginia, as you can see from these photos. She's not afraid to put on a hat for the cause! Thank you, Janet, for this wonderful celebration gift in honor of Sheryl Leeds! 
Sheryl (l) with friend and celebration gift contributor Janet Horwitz
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Memory and Celebration Gifts
Lynn Latimer: In memory of my mom who taught countless children to read and love books, including me. Frances Shipper to Heather Shipper: Grammy & Grampy are sending books to Virginia children in your honor Sheryl Asen: In memory of Jerry and Charlotte Shelton; in memory of Tom Loy Theresa Bratt: In memory of Shirley Morrow, a dear friend and former ESOL teaching colleague at Arlington Public Schools Gareth Bromser-Kloeden: On behalf of my mom, who taught me to love books and forever value reading Carmen Williams: In honor of Judith Braham |
Barbara & Lee Mitchell in honor of Debbie and Jim Regan: Elizabeth Marshall in honor of Lisa Keathley: Thank you for all you do (for RIF of NOVA) Members of Trinity Presbyterian Church and NOVA Together Racial Justice Group: In memory of Marie Keefe who was an avid reader and a champion for racial justice, with the hope that "this gift will inspire children to continue Marie's legacy of reading and advocating for racial justice." Clare & Pete Kersten in memory of Nancy and Bruno Kersten: Thank you for helping to get so many kids into books they love early! |
William Gimpel: In honor of Justina Johnson (RIF of NOVA president): I support all you do for RIF of NOVA
Esther & Steve Hider in memory of Winifred Eugenie Larsen: We can’t think of a better way to honor Wini’s memory than to help supply books for children
Sheryl Leeds to Lisa Keathley in memory of Alonzo Keathley: In memory of your dad and the beautiful relationship you had with him!
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A Tribute to Jacqueline Keathley
by daughters Lisa Keathley and Krista Hunt There was simply no one like her. Consummate wife, daughter, mom, grand- and great grandmother, friend, neighbor, sister, cousin, aunt, colleague, and more, Jacqueline Keathley passed away in October 2021. She is being remembered by all who knew and loved her for her warmth, kindness, wittiness, and spirit of fun. |
A graduate of Michigan State University, our mom valued education and loved to read the newspaper to keep up on affairs of the day. In fact, she would shoo us out of the room after dinner when it was her time to read The Detroit News, pretty much cover to cover. When she met our dad at a YWCA event, where she was a program director, he had just returned from WWII and had not finished his college education. She said she wouldn't marry him until he got a degree. So he did ... and they went on to a marriage that lasted just shy of 73 years and included two daughters, three granddaughters, and a great grandson whom she adored. Always dapper and dressed with matching purses and shoes, our mom had lifelong friends from grade and high school, college, and beyond. She kept up with all of them and added more in each location where she lived. If you had a conversation with her, she wanted to know more about YOU, volunteering almost nothing about herself. It is said that you will not always remember what someone says but will always remember how they made you feel. Our mom made everyone feel so valued and so loved. Before she passed away, we asked how she wanted to be remembered. She said "something with children" and "reading." In her memory, gifts to the next generation of readers may be made at rifnova.org/donate. |
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A Celebration Gift to Honor Sheila Jonas John Jonas has donated to RIF of NOVA in honor of his wife Sheila Jonas. His celebration gift came with the words -- "for giving our grandchildren a love for reading." Sheila loves reading to her two grandchildren and reads to them every day they are lucky enough to be together. An avid reader herself, she notes -- "reading is and always will be my life force." Sheila began a teaching career in 1971 and taught in a wide variety of environments, including inner-city Atlanta, rural South Carolina, and Arlington, Virginia. She has been a member and officer of the RIF of NOVA board for over 30 years, serving as Corresponding Secretary, Co-President, and Sunshine Committee Chair. She also serves on the Fairfax Falls Church Community Services Board, appointed by the County Supervisor to represent Mason District. John Jonas made his celebration gift in sponsorship of RIF of NOVA's 2021 Book It For Books Campaign. The 5K/One-Mile Run/Walk took place October 16, 2021 at Bluemont Park in Arlington. Please find a celebration of the day in photos by clicking here. Sheila, John, and the grandkids were there together as a family to celebrate books for children! |
Sheila Jonas reading to -- and sharing giggles with -- her two grandchildren
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A Tribute to Peggy Glenn Stephenson
by RIF of NOVA board member Nancy King It is with great sadness that I share the news of the death of Peggy Glenn Stephenson last month (February 2021). For many of us, Peggy was a longtime friend. I feel blessed that I was able to call her that for more than 40 years. We did have some fun and adventurous times, and I am sure many others can remember happy times with her over the years. Peggy had the biggest and most generous heart, beautiful violet-blue eyes, and true style and elegance! Most of all, she was a consummate literacy leader in Arlington, Northern Virginia, and the Commonwealth through her work as: an APS Teacher Specialist for Reading; President of the Greater Washington Reading Council; co-President of Reading is Fundamental of Northern Virginia; and President of the Virginia State Reading Association. Peggy made a difference to the personal and literacy lives of so many and will be sorely missed. I plan to honor Peggy with a donation to Reading is Fundamental of Northern Virginia, as she was a longtime board member, a past co-president, and a donor. Others are welcome to contribute in memory of Peggy at rifnova.org/donate. |
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A Tribute to William Craft Owen
by daughter Diane Owen My father, William C. (Bill) Owen, passed away in December (2020). When friends and colleagues asked what charity would be suitable for donations in his memory, I immediately thought of Reading is Fundamental of Northern Virginia. Dad was an avid reader throughout his 91 years. He especially devoured science fiction, fantasy, and books about astrophysics and astronomy. More than that, Dad made words his profession. He worked as a reporter and newspaper editor for Stars and Stripes in Korea during the Korean War, for the wire services INS and Associated Press in D.C., and for more than twenty years for the Birmingham News in Alabama. He wrote a grammar and usage column for the in-house newsletter at the News, and his personal collection of thesauruses filled multiple shelves. Dad loved sharing books with others. After he fell in love with the Harry Potter books, he started buying ten copies of each new release for his local public library to cut down on how long kids (and adults) would have to wait to enjoy them. I'm so glad that donations to rifnova.org/donate will spread his love of reading to the next generation. |
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Page cover photo: iStock/Gelvner Tivadar
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