Elmira Brock Hurd

Elmira Brock Hurd

Elmira Brock Hurd, 92, passed away in Charlottesville on Friday, March 12, 2010.

She was born on August 14, 1917, in Dayton Ohio, to George "Lem" Lemuel and Della Brock (Fetters). She was a graduate of Miami Jacobs Business College, and after a few months as a legal secretary, was employed by the federal government in various clerical and administrative capacities.

Elmira Catherine Brock married then Signal Corps Lieutenant, Walter Joseph Hurd, at the Wright Field chapel, Dayton, December 15, 1943. Before World War II, Elmira was employed at the Soil Conservation Service in Dayton and Washington, D.C. During the war, she worked for the 862nd AAF specialized Depot in Dayton. And after her husband was transferred as Captain and Executive Officer to Chicago, she transferred to the Chicago Ordinance District. After the end of the war, Walter returned to his civilian life and the Hurds moved to San Francisco, which had been his home base before the war. Elmira was Housing Officer for the 12th Naval District at the time of her separation from Federal Service.

When Walter accepted a position in Washington, D.C., the Hurds moved to Fairfax County, where Elmira became a librarian for the Saint Anthony Parish Circulating Library, after having been trained in library science at the Paulist Circulating Library in Chinatown, San Francisco, California. After 15 years in Fairfax County, Walter retired from civil service and moved his wife and mother-in-law to Brooklyn, New York, for five years while he was employed by the now, Navy Exchange. He then retired for a second time, and he and Elmira settled in Albemarle County.

While Water was busy with some consulting work and a number of volunteer activities, Elmira worked at various times as a volunteer at the Charlottesville Police Department, Walker Middle School, and for seven years at the University of Virginia International Center. She also was interested in family history for many years and compiled records of the Brock, Hopkins, Hurd, Kennard and Fetter(s)/Vetter families. She was a life member of the Kentucky Historical Society, Society of Indiana Pioneers, and First Families of Mercer County, Ohio. Locally she was a member of the Albemarle County Historical Society NARFE Chapter #135, University of Virginia Library Associates, University of Virginia Art Museum and the League of Women Voters.

A decedent of Protestant Church officials and ministers, Elmira converted to Roman Catholicism by the grace of God and was a member of the Church of the Incarnation.

Her husband and her only brother, Vernon, along with his wife, Ethel, preceded her in death.

A graveside service will be held at Dayton Memorial Park and Cemetery in Dayton, Ohio, 3 p.m. Tuesday, April 13, 2010, with Father Patrick Tonry officiating.

In lieu of flowers, Elmira asks to be remembered in prayers for the repose of her soul.

Friends may sign the online guest register at hillandwood.com.


This obituary was originally published in the Daily Progress.