Virginia Yuna Danieley Lucy

The only thing that matters now are the people we love.

- Dr. Ellie Sattler, Jurassic Park

The Story of a Lifetime

A Foundation in Hope(well)
Virginia was born and raised in Hopewell, Virginia, a fact that she was proud to declare to the utter confusion of her husband, John, who is also from Virginia and has been to Hopewell many, many times. Growing up, Virginia’s two older sisters spoiled her, including with life-changing ice cream sundaes from Serendipity. When she left the family home, they helped her move into dinky apartments with closets so tiny you couldn’t hang clothes straight. As Virginia grew older, she relished spoiling her beloved nieces and nephew as the younger ‘fun aunt’ in the family.

Finding Lifelong Love
From Hopewell, Virginia went straight to Charlottesville to attend the University of Virginia. It was the only college she applied to because UVA was, in her words "the only college I wanted to go to… and I didn't know you should apply to a safety school, okay?" The truth is that Virginia didn't need a safety school because she had a plan and worked tirelessly to accomplish it — a trait she would exhibit again and again throughout her life.

Virginia graduated from UVA with a degree in English. Completely on brand. No surprises there. But it might surprise folks that she considered Archaeology as a major after participating in several archaeological digs. Which, at least in part, explains her unrelenting obsession with Jurassic Park, culminating in a Virginia-penned 'definitive ranking' of the movies. A list that was not debatable. Ever. While she wouldn't admit it outright, Virginia's next step in life was informed by her love of fictionalized legal dramas and specifically the stories 'ripped from the headlines’. (In case there was any doubt, Virginia also penned a definitive ranking of the best fictional female New York ADAs. A list that is, again, not debatable.)

Virginia then traveled North to Carlisle to attend the Pennsylvania State University – Dickinson School of Law, where she consolidated her massive student loans with her future husband, John. Together, they worked in dive bars and dingy restaurants to support themselves through school. Among her many accomplishments, Virginia thwarted a mugging outside one of these fine establishments. Upon hearing a commotion outside, Virginia chased the would-be mugger down a dark narrow alley, growing smaller and smaller into the distance. While sprinting to catch up, it was then and there that John realized he would be running after Virginia for the rest of his life. And he was more than okay with that.

After graduation, and despite being flat broke, Virginia and John set out to see and experience the world together on an adventure that would span more than 20 incredible years. Because Virginia never thought small, the young naïve couple eloped to Paris, which — to be clear — they both knew they couldn't afford, but they were like, "Hey, 'into the breach' or whatever they say, you know?" Even though the decision was financially dubious, they agreed it was one of the best they ever made. That decision was soon eclipsed by the arrival of their progeny, Oliver Lucy. A smaller, but more potent version of Virginia who would go on to share her love of travel, birds, writing, puzzles, and of course watching Jurassic Park while eating candy salads. The sour gummy worms are the best.

A Gift for Being Present
Virginia, perhaps wisely, never followed a traditional legal career path but committed herself instead to the "nonprofit hustle," which translated to drinking enough lukewarm, stale breakroom coffee to power a small city, and mastering the art of the "per my last email" passive-aggressive sign-off. Virginia consistently worked to advocate for those who lacked representation, to acknowledge individuals who were often overlooked, and to ensure that every conference attendee received a laminated resource guide, a bottle of water, and a snack. It was at the National Asian Pacific American Women's Forum (NAPAWF) that Virginia found the organization that embodied the values she championed throughout her career. NAPAWF's commitment to advocacy, empowerment, and inclusivity resonated deeply with Virginia, reflecting the principles she upheld in her professional and personal life. The unwavering support and love from Virginia’s NAPAWF family throughout her health journey was extraordinary, and Virginia’s loved ones are forever thankful.

Closer to home, Virginia was an integral member of the Harrisburg Asian American and Pacific Islander (HAAPI) community. When she attended the very first meet-up, little did she know that the strangers around the table would become her found and chosen family over the next five years. From that meeting forward, she went on to accept leadership roles by joining the HAAPI Vision Team and starting the HAAPI Book Club. At countless events, Virginia earned a reputation for bringing an overabundance of food to potlucks, the gift most coveted at the holiday parties, and for making everyone she met feel seen, held, and valued. Always proud of her Korean American heritage, Virginia forged friendships that transcend generations and lifetimes.

Ever the overachiever, Virginia battled two different types of breast cancer over the course of two bouts. Her care team at the Penn State Medical Center became her champions and cheerleaders, as she was theirs. Regardless of how she was feeling, she greeted each person with kindness and a genuine smile, from doctors and nurses to receptionists, volunteers, therapy animals, and baristas. She learned names, asked after families, eagerly listened to vacation stories, and delivered favorite snacks. While undergoing cancer treatments, she remained an inexhaustible source of empathy and compassion for others. Virginia’s superpower of loving people as individuals was remarkable.

Pursuing Her Passions
Virginia was both interesting and interested. Her curiosity was boundless, whether you were talking about travel, food, writing, books, animals, LEGO kits, politics, health care access for marginalized communities, or really anything. If you were interested in a topic and she didn’t know anything about it, she would lean in and really listen. Her combination of intense curiosity and deep listening made others feel truly seen and heard.

Virginia’s boundless affection for animals — particularly those with missing appendages and regrettable social issues— always endured. In fact, the only recorded time that her husband said ‘no’ was when Virginia wanted to adopt a tortoise but failed to hide the fact that the spry 30-year-old reptile was likely to live another 120 years.

One of Virginia’s longest-running and deepest passions was writing. She journaled almost daily and filled volume upon volume with her musings and lists. Virginia was published in such fine annals as Mochi Magazine and through her own online Substack, A Life Interrupted. As part of her career, she held roles that published content without her byline. From press releases to social media, she was a brilliant behind-the-scenes communicator who crafted the perfect turn of phrase, the knowledgeable comment, or thoughtful insight. She always had multiple creative writing projects going, including a murder mystery (she loved a good whodunit), a middle grade story about a Korean-American child leaning into local activism (a fascinating and timely plot inspired by real events), and so much more. Her love of the written word, both as an author and as an avid reader, is well evident.

She was ‘Good People’
Through all of life's adventures — both the planned and the spontaneous — Virginia's spirit of curiosity and joy for discovery remained at the heart of her family's story. Whether exploring new destinations or simply enjoying a quiet night in with a favorite movie, she inspired those around her to approach life with courage, humor, and an open mind. Her family will cherish these countless memories, each a testament to Virginia's unwavering enthusiasm for making the ordinary extraordinary. She was really, really good people y’all.

"The only thing that matters now are the people we love."
- Dr. Ellie Sattler, Jurassic Park

Musical Tribute

We invite you to share a song that you sang, danced, or listened to with Virginia, or one that simply brings her to mind. Together, these selections will create a collective musical tribute that will play during Virginia’s Celebration of Life.

Virginia's writing and social media

Virginia shared her stories on social media, on blogs, and in magazines.

Gallery

Memories of a Lifetime

June 10, 2026

Dearest John:

One of my favorite memories is our first homemade mandu making session together. It was all pretty chill while we were stuffing and pinching, but when the steamers got going, it was WILD. Sten had multiple steamers going, Virginia was pinching as quickly as she could, I was frying some of the mandu, and you stood in the dining room and said at one point, “I’m just gonna stand here for a bit so I don’t get in the way”. Then we all sat down and started eating, burning our mouths on the mandu, dripping sauce everywhere, laughing, and eating. I’d like to think this is what you inherited when Virginia brought you into the Min Hartman family. It’s loud, chaotic, and overwhelming, but, it’s joyful and “oddly comforting” (your words).

I hold this and so many other memories so dearly. What began as a friendship with Virginia really turned into a really, really big family. We spent time together at Lake Keuka, ate meals around so many different tables, muffled our laughter every time you quietly slipped a joke out into the air, progressed through the McMansions of Harrisburg in our finest, watched our kids play, strummed guitars, took home leftovers from a night with the governor, and more I can’t even name.

Whenever Virginia spoke about you, her eyes completely lit up. You are the love of her life, her most favorite person, and the person she cherishes with her entire heart and soul. Like me and Sten, I learned of how you met in Carlisle and of all the memories (and shenanigans) that took place around Dickinson for the first years of your relationship. It seems fitting that we are going back to Carlisle where it all began. I STILL don’t know how our paths didn’t cross at the Red Devil or GMan, but I’m so grateful that they did so many years later in Harrisburg. It’s hard to imagine a life before you, Virginia, and Oliver.

“When Ellen invites you out, show up.” That’s what Virginia told you and I’m glad you promised to show up. Because I see a very long road ahead of us lined with mandu that needs to be pinched, steamed, fried, and eaten with friends and family.

Ellen Min

June 10, 2026

My dearest Oliver:

I first got to know you through your mother. Virginia would tell me about your quiet strength, big heart, and love of snuggles and quality time. And when I finally met you and your father, we instantly became one big family.

I watched you become a brother to Aida and Elyse. I barely had a chance to ask you about your day before you were swept away by the girls for some adventure into another part the house. However, I always knew you’d come back in the form of Oliver trying to “spy” on the adults and listen to what they are saying. I always knew you were there, but pretended I didn’t know; I wanted you to observe what old people friendships looked like - boring from your eyes now, but so deeply meaningful and important when you look back on these days as a boring old man.

I had soooo many photos to choose from during this beautiful chapter of our lives together. But I narrowed them down to a few of my favorites. I am closing my eyes and remembering each of them with so much joy and happiness: picnics, birthday celebrations, trips to Lake Keuka (when it was snowing and when it was warm enough to jump into the lake), lunches and dinners, pinching mandu for hours (and then eating them in minutes), video games, board games, and so much more.

I know this next chapter may feel scary. I know it does for me. But I keep closing my eyes to tap into all of the love and joy your mother gave us - enough to sustain all of us for the years ahead. There will be so many more meals and memories and moments for us to cherish together, and, when it gets tough and we miss her, we can close our eyes together and call her into the room to help us pinch mandu or jump in the lake with us. We, the Min Hartman crew, love you so much.

Ellen Min

June 9, 2026

Dear John and Oliver,
I've been thinking of Virginia a lot, and I wanted to share some of the joyful memories I have about her.

Virginia was a person who took true delight in everyday things. Her daily coffee. A nice pen. Stickers — even though she couldn't ever decide where to stick them. Delicious food. DESSERT! Legos. A journal with great paper. The list goes on.

Being around her, it was impossible not to crack a smile when you heard her raise her hands and exclaim, "Oh, Yay!" over some seemingly little thing that the rest of us might have overlooked. A slice of cake. Sprinkles. A card in the mail. The accomplishment of a friend.

A memory I treasure is the one time I had her come into my house because I had made some food (tacos, if I recall) and I wanted to send it home with her. It had been raining, and when we got outside onto my porch, she stopped dead in her tracks and squealed, "Look at that little snail friend! Be careful not to step on him!" I looked down, and indeed there was a small garden snail trucking along the porch step. (For the record, I did not step on him.) I told her our garden had lots of snails and they like to come out after a rain when the pavement is wet because they can move much faster than over dry ground. So down she squatted, and suddenly a whole village of snails appeared, easily several dozen. We spent the next 20 minutes pointing out snails as we inched our way down the 20 feet of my front walkway. All of this was caught on our doorbell camera, which alerted Aaron on his phone that there was "someone at the front door." He heard our whole silly conversation and witnessed our excited gestures while we pointed out all the snails we saw. Big ones, small ones, some hanging out together.

Did you know that snails have personalities and even best friends? Scientists who study such things have observed that snails, just like people, have preferences about who they like to spend their time with.

Though I'm not a snail, I can say for sure that I LOVED every minute I got to spend with Virginia. Now, every time it rains, I look for little snail friends and smile, thinking about her. Her joy remains in my heart, and I am glad for it.

I love you both and know her joy lives on in the two of you too.
Amy

Amy Zecha

June 9, 2026

Dear Oliver,
I’m thinking of some of my favorite stories that your mom told us about you. In these stories I hear so much care and love for you. I feel the values that she and your dad instill in you. You’re such a good person, Oli. Your mom told me once, “Oliver doesn’t have to do anything to make me proud. I’m just proud of who he is.” I hope you keep that with you forever.


"Oliver and I were out at Broad Street Market, for lunch or running errands or something. And someone asked me for money and I shook my head, “Sorry, I don’t have any.” Cause I genuinely didn’t have any cash on me.
And Oliver was so mad at me. “But we can help him mom. You have a credit card. You could find an ATM and give him some money.”
And we had a big conversation about it being okay if we can’t help everybody every time. “Bud, I know. And if I had money I would’ve given it to that person.” But boy was he salty at me for the ride home!"

—

A couple of years before that Virginia made it to a small gathering a little late and quite flustered. We asked her what was up. This is the story that followed.

“I was working from home today and Oliver was home from school. He was mad that I told him he couldn’t do something. Ten minutes later, I’m on a Zoom call with work and I look out the window. Oliver is sitting in the front yard with a handwritten sign asking strangers for help because his mom is terrible to him!

When John got home, I said, “He’s your kid now! Good luck.” And here I am.”

--
In both stories she also talked about the deep, honest conversations she had with you about hard topics. Your mom and dad care so such about you and about raising you to be a caring, generous, joyful human. Keep your spunk and spirit, Oliver.

Christina Kostelecky

Family Tree

Other family members

Jacob Morgan

Nephew

Emma Morgan

Niece

Michaela Fachar

Niece

Lake

Nettie

Full Name

Full Name

William Danieley

Seon Hea Danieley

John Lucy

Maria

Tammy

Oliver Lucy

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Maria

Tammy

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John Lucy

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Oliver Lucy

Virginia Lucy

Celebration of Life

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