“On December 26 2023, Joyce Marie Lippy O’Brien slipped peacefully to the heavens accompanied by a single preserved monarch butterfly who came from her garden the summer of 2021. He hung by her bedside waiting to take her home.

Joyce is survived by her only child and daughter Kelly O’Brien, brother Dale Lippy and some nieces and nephews. She is preceded by her parents Reginald and Effie Lippy, her sister Nadine Conrad and brother Merle Lippy.

Joyce was a speech and language pathologist for the Virginia Beach City Public Schools for 37 years. In that time, she gave the gift of communication to many children as it was a passion of hers.  She graduated from Eichelberger High School in Hanover, Pa. in 1963. She moved on to college, earning her Bachelor’s degree at Penn State University in speech pathology and finally putting herself through graduate school at Old Dominion University in Norfolk, Va. where she earned her Master’s Degree in Education. Joyce was also a loyal wife to a Naval officer.

Joyce lived a full life, traveling to many places such as Maine, New York, Arizona, and Alaska and Nova Scotia.  She completed a 600 mile bike ride from Yorktown, VA to the Appalachian Mountains in 1976. Joyce was an avid outdoor lover and hiked and biked countless miles. However, once she retired she immersed herself in her true passion…. Gardening and butterflies. She eventually went on to obtain her Master Gardener certification. Joyce transformed her yard into a botanical garden full of flowers and plants to which she could name every single one. Joyce was a lover of every type of butterfly, but the Monarch was close to her heart. She made a garden safe for all wildlife, insects, and especially the pollinators.

Sadly, in the year of 2015 Joyce developed a rare form of dementia called Primary Progressive Aphasia.  This cruel disease robbed her of her ability to communicate and subsequently her ability to reside in her home of 50 years in VA Beach where she raised her only daughter.

Joyce was deeply and lovingly cared for at Magnolia Manor from 2020 to 2023 where she peacefully passed away.

The name “Joyce” is derived from the Christian meaning Lord; Joyous….. a name that inspires Joy to all around. That is truly what she brought to this world. She was kind and compassionate and an incredible mother. She is best described as being strong and courageous and she will be missed so very much by her daughter to whom she had a very deep and loving relationship.

Sail on beautiful butterfly crazy lady. Your legacy will forever live on in your daughter. A celebration of life will be planned for the spring of 2024 when the weather permits. Butterflies will be released in Joyce’s honor. If you are interested in attending contact the family at kabobrien@gmail.com. Condolences for the family may be left at www.vacremationsociety.com”