Martha Irby "Patsy" Hunt

1932 - 2025

Martha "Patsy" Irby Hunt

February 15, 1932 - January 18, 2025

Martha Irby Hunt, passed away peacefully on January 18, 2025, at Westminster-Canterbury of the Blue Ridge in Charlottesville, Virginia, where she had been a resident for 15 years.

Born in Blackstone, Virginia, on February 15, 1932, to Mary and Llewellyn Irby, Patsy was a woman of remarkable grace, intelligence, and warmth. Growing up in Blackstone, she met and married her high school sweetheart, Dr. James D. Kitchin, III, after earning her BA from Randolph Macon College and was married to him for 35 years. Later in life, Patsy found love again with Dr. William (Bill) B. Hunt, and the two shared 15 joyful years together until his passing in 2016.

Patsy is survived by her four children: David Kitchin (Nancy), Llewellyn Kitchin (Donna), Margaret Hamer (David), and Claiborne Kitchin (Edith); twelve grandchildren; and three great-grandchildren. She was a devoted mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother who instilled in her children a deep love of family, a passion for reading, and a profound appreciation of nature. Her sense of humor was her greatest asset. She endured endless ribbing from her children, but always gave as good as she got.

A gifted teacher and tutor, Patsy spent her life nurturing and educating others. After raising her children, she earned her Masters in Education from the University of Virginia. Throughout her life, she found joy in cultivating her beloved gardens, especially her wildflower gardens. Her love of nature was matched only by her enthusiasm for travel and a deep appreciation for art.

Patsy's curiosity extended to her family's history, and she was an expert storyteller, often delighting her children and grandchildren with tales of their ancestors, family folklore, and cherished traditions. Her stories brought the past to life, creating a sense of belonging and continuity that will be passed down through generations.

Plans for a memorial service are pending. In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to St. Paul's Memorial Church at the University of Virginia.