Elizabeth Eppley "Libby" Danforth

1927 - 2021

DANFORTH, Mrs. Elizabeth "Libby" Eppley, died October 23, 2021, of natural causes in Richmond, Virginia. She was preceded in death by her husband of 57 years, Clarence "Dan" Danforth.

Libby is survived by her five children and their spouses: Mollie Danforth (Steve Colangelo), Anne Danforth (Erland Zygmuntowicz), Henry Danforth (Adrienne Wieand Danforth), Lainee Maiolino (Albert Maiolino) and Nick Danforth (Anne Golden Danforth); 11 grandchildren and four great-grandchildren. She is also survived by a sister, Frances Tobin Hunt; and a brother, Geary W. Eppley.

Libby was born on January 18, 1927, to Geary and Elizabeth Eppley of College Park, Maryland. She graduated from the University of Maryland with a B.S. in Education and received a master's degree in Early Childhood Education from VCU. While at Maryland, she joined the Pi Beta Phi sorority.

Libby started her teaching career at Glen Allen High School, but soon switched to teaching elementary school. She taught in White Stone and Norfolk and at Glen Lea and Ruby F. Carver Elementary Schools in Richmond. She helped found and direct the St. Thomas Church preschool.

After retiring in 1989, Libby volunteered at Crestview Elementary School, the READ Center and Virginia House and served as president of Tri-Club Woman's Club. She loved gardening and bridge.

Libby was a long-time member of St. Matthew's Episcopal Church and a volunteer at St. Matthew's Vacation Bible School. She was a member of St. Hilda's Circle and regularly attended a Bible study group.

A memorial service will be held on November 9, 2021, at 2 p.m., at St. Matthew's Episcopal Church, 1101 Forest Avenue, Richmond, Virginia 23229. A reception will follow the service. Condolences may be sent to the family c/o Lainee Maiolino at 12000 Ashburton Ct., Henrico, Virginia 23233. In lieu of flowers, donations may be sent to St. Matthew's Episcopal Church.