Lydia Ferrell McVay

It is with a heavy heart that we announce the passing of Lydia Ferrell McVay, a cherished mother, sister, grandmother, aunt, and friend who passed away peacefully on Saturday, October 26, 2024, after a prolonged illness at the age of 85.

Born on May 6, 1939, in Richmond, Virginia, Lydia's passion for classical music ignited at an early age. At the age of 3, Lydia showed an interest in playing the piano, and by age 5 she was taking piano lessons. Her interest and commitment to the piano grew stronger throughout her childhood, and by the time she was 12 years old she had already begun composing her own music.

A proud graduate of St. Catherine's School in Richmond, Virginia, Lydia's musical talent led her to further her musical studies at Converse College in Spartanburg, South Carolina. Following college, Lydia met her future husband, Reverend John Harvey McVay, and she married him after a brief courtship. As the wife of a Presbyterian minister, Lydia committed herself to the church by directing the children's choir, teaching Sunday school, and assisting with ongoing administrative tasks. At the same time, she began teaching private piano lessons in her home studio. As time went on, she continued to perfect her craft by participating in continuing education and taking lessons from some of the most esteemed pianists in the field.

Although her marriage ended after 25 years, Lydia continued to devote her life to teaching and music. With the help of her devoted partner and friend, John Baxter, she created one of the most technologically advanced piano studios in her area which included state-of-the-art recording equipment. News of her talents spread, and soon she became one of the most sought-after piano teachers in the Philadelphia area. Her passion for music was infectious, and she had positive impacts on the lives of her students. Not only did she teach them how to play the piano, but she developed close relationships with many of her students and their families. In many cases, she became like another trusted family member to students who were struggling, needed advice, or just wanted to talk. She always treated her students with empathy and respect, no matter what their circumstances were. Even after they graduated from high school and went on to college or the workforce, many of Lydia's students remained in contact with her throughout their lives. To this day, she continues to receive letters from former students who talk about how she inspired them and how she made a positive difference in their lives.

An avid reader, Lydia spent much of her time reading books on every topic imaginable, especially science, music, art, and philosophy. She collected many hundreds of books over the years, and when she was not playing the piano or composing her own music, she was often in her library or music studio reading. She was also an avid follower of the stock market, and she became very adept at choosing the best stocks to grow her portfolio.

Lydia was also known by her friends and family as a truly kind and generous spirit. Lydia gave her time and money to many worthy causes, even when she was struggling herself. When some of her students' families were going through financial hardship, she would often reduce or temporarily waive their tuition until they got back on their feet so they could continue their lessons. In several cases, she even bartered with a few of her adult students who wanted desperately to take lessons but could not afford the tuition.

Lydia's legacy lives on through her children, Martha Robinson and John McVay (Fon); her brothers William Ferrell and John Ferrell (Margaret); her grandchildren, Brooke Robinson, Taylor Gober (Ryan), Farrell McVay, Tevin McVay, and Gavin McVay; her great-grandson, Pierce Centino; her nieces and nephews, Rebecca Smith, Harris Ferrell, Betsy Ferrell, Wyn Ferrell, Lacy Ferrell, and Laura Otton; and her cherished longtime partner, John Baxter. Lydia's spirit is also carried on by many friends, colleagues and former students whose lives she impacted deeply.

Lydia's life and legacy will be honored in a private ceremony aboard the vessel, "Dignity at Sea" on December 7th, 2024, near Daytona Beach, Florida.

In lieu of flowers, we ask that you honor Lydia's memory with a contribution to American Red Cross at www.redcross.org/donate or Feeding America at https://www.feedingamerica.org/, causes close to her heart. Your donation will continue Lydia's legacy of giving back to those less fortunate than herself.