Vida June Brassé, 89, of Arlington, Virginia, passed away at her home, September 4, 2022. She was born August 13, 1933 in Ohio County, West Virginia, to Martha Theatrice and Norris Carlton Brown. She was one of five siblings including Fonda Lee, Colleen, David Edward, and Mary Jane. She is survived by her children Sally Ann, Robert Christopher (his wife Denise Michelle), and John Edward, as well as her sister Mary Jane Brown.
June was a (1950) graduate of (Whitewood High School, in Buchanan County). Her mother taught school in a one-room schoolhouse, and her father was a coal miner. Together, her parents set aside enough money to send their two eldest children to college for two years each. Marrying young, Fonda Lee conceded her allotment, allowing June to graduate from Radford in 1954, with a BS in Elementary Education. Honoring her parent’s wishes, June then enabled the next sibling, Colleen, to attend college. Jointly, the two then assisted Mary Jane to achieve her degree as well.
June taught classes at Strayer University before becoming a teacher for Arlington County where she taught 5th grade, primarily at Page and Key Elementary. During her 30 year tenure, she would spear-head the award winning English as a second language program, ESOL/HILT, which is still active today. She also served as chair of the Teachers’ Council on Instruction for Arlington County Public Schools. Before retiring, she would go on to study graduate-level earth sciences at Marymount University.
June was an avid reader, a savvy shopper, a frustratingly skilled gin rummy player, and a wonderful cook who prepared family dinners every Sunday until well into her 70’s. She loved traveling, spending time at a cabin (dubbed “June’s Moon” by her husband Harvey) in Shenandoah Retreat, and family vacations in Ocean City.
June died in her sleep. Her wry sense of humor, fierce protection of her children, enduring faith, and unyielding commitment to her family and friends will be remembered by all who knew her.
A memorial celebration of June’s life will be held on Saturday, October 22, 2022 at 3:00 p.m., at Faith Lutheran Church, 3313 Arlington Boulevard, Arlington, VA 22201. A reception at the church will follow the service. While all are welcome to attend, the family requests that in lieu of flowers, donations be made to Faith Lutheran Church.
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