Crozet, Virginia
Jan 31, 1935 – Apr 4, 2021 (Age 86)
Nancy Via
January 31, 1935 - April 4, 2021
Nancy Lee Funkhouser Via, 86, passed away peacefully at Hospice of the Piedmont on Sunday, April 4, 2021. She was born on January 31, 1935, in Winchester, Va., the daughter of the late Blair Allen Funkhouser and Annie Elizabeth Curtis Funkhouser.
Nancy is survived by her beloved husband of almost 67 years, Walter Dabney Via of Charlottesville; and two children, Beth Via Hawkey of Burlington, N.C., and David Scott Via and his wife, Mary-Elizabeth of Charlottesville. She is also survived by four grandchildren, Michael Hawkey and his wife, Kaitlin and their children, Hayden and Emersyn; Andrew Hawkey and his wife, Elizabeth; Douglas Via; and Elizabeth Via Finlay and her husband, Hocquard and their children, Adelaide and Jack. She leaves behind two sisters, Elaine Layman (Tony) and Debra Smith (James); two brothers, Gary Funkhouser (Carolyn) and Joe Funkhouser (Barbara); as well as a sister-in-law, Beverly Via Wagner and a brother-in-law, James Early Shipp. Also surviving are her six step-siblings, Janice Gough Gunter, James Russell Gough (Alice), Peggy Shiflett (Grady), Lindley Gough, Robert Gough (Judy), and Jerry Gough.
Nancy graduated from Crozet High School in 1952. After marrying Dabney in 1954, they raised their family in Crozet where Nancy was an active part of the community. Nancy's life was all about people and she worked and served in many ways, always making the extra effort to make everyone feel at home and part of her family. She was employed at University of Virginia Hospital Employee Health and was the Office Manager at Crozet Family Medicine, returning there as their medical transcriptionist after semi-retirement.
Music was always an important part of Nancy's life. She taught piano to countless children and adults in the Crozet area for 20 years, and she was a volunteer choral teacher at Crozet Elementary School before paid music positions began. She spent many Saturday afternoons volunteering at the Children's Rehabilitation Center playing music for and with the children there. The importance of her church life and her music life came together as she acted as Choir Director and Organist at Crozet United Methodist Church and Mt. Moriah United Methodist Church over the course of most of her adult life. After suffering a stroke in 2013, her musical career ended. But her love for God and the church never took a back seat as she settled into a new church family closer to home at Tabor Presbyterian in Crozet. Over the last two years, she's also enjoyed growing her faith even more deeply with the residents at Our Lady of Peace where she and Dabney lived.
Nancy will be interred at Mt. Moriah Methodist Church Cemetery at a private family graveside service with the Rev. Liz Hulme Adam and Father Daniel Bain officiating. The family would like to thank the staff at Our Lady of Peace, Sentara Martha Jefferson Hospital, and Hospice of the Piedmont for their love and care of Nancy. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be sent to St. Jude's Children's Research Hospital, Loaves & Fishes Food Pantry, or a charity of your choice.
Anderson Funeral Service is in charge of arrangements.
My sincere condolences to Nancy's family and many friends. My history with so many of the family makes me feel like I lost a family member also. Dabney, Elaine, M.E. Robby,siblings and spouses make up an important part of my history. We will all miss Nancy!
William Raines
April 14, 2021
Dabney, I'm so sorry to hear of your loss. You and Nancy were among my very favorite neighbors during our years on the mountain. I'm thinking about you, wishing you and your family comfort in your sorrow.
Dan O'Neill
April 11, 2021 | Charlottesville, VA | Friend
Dabney--(From former Calf Mountain neighbors) we were so sorry to hear of Nancy's passing. She was such a wonderful, sweet, and thoughtful soul. The two of you have been models of servant leadership and many have benefited because of it. You and your family will be in our prayers that you may find peace. David and Eleanor
David Maloney
April 11, 2021 | Charlottesville, VA | Neighbor
So sorry to hear of Nancy's passing. Will remember her wonderful laugh. We are thinking of you all. Charlotte and Dennis
Charlotte Fitch and Dennis Yutchishen
April 11, 2021
I have so many wonderful memories of Nancy. I was in the choir at CUMC, then worked with Nancy at S.W. BARNES LUMBER CO., We had so many good times, lots of laughs. Dabney, Beth and David, I am so sorry for your loss. You are in my thoughts and prayers.
iris tomlin Carr
April 10, 2021 | Staunton, VA | Friend
I have known Nancy and Dabney since our childhoods and always held them in high esteem. My late wife, Peggy and I both, were members of the Crozet United Methodist Church and sang in the choir directed by Nancy, for years. I have many fond memories of those years and of Nancy, Dabney and their children. I pray for peace for Nancy, Dabney and the children.
Curtis Tomlin
April 09, 2021 | Palm Harbor, FL | Friend
Nancy was a big part of my childhood. I spent many hours at the Funkhouser home and many hours at choir practice and singing in the choir directed by Nancy. It was a real privilege to know Nancy and the entire family.
John Tomlin
April 09, 2021 | Midlothian, VA | Friend
Our sympathy to her family. The community of Crozet was blessed to have Nancy and she made it a better and memorable place for all. May you be blessed with special memories.
Melody James Wright
April 08, 2021 | Afton, VA | Acquaintance
I am so sorry to hear about Nancy´s passing. I too was one of her piano students for many years when I was young. I also sang in the youth and adult choir at CUMC. I have great memories as a child sitting with the youth choir and getting the "eye" from Nancy when she would catch us whispering to each other or sneaking a little candy or gum during the church service! She was someone very special in my life growing up.
Brenda Tomlin Barbour
April 08, 2021
