Virginia Mary Barrett Picchi, 87, passed away on September 19, 2013 in Indialantic, FL.

Born in New York, NY to Francis and Frances Barrett, Virginia worked in the fashion industry in Manhattan before marrying Ferrer B. Picchi and becoming a dedicated Army Officer's wife, homemaker and mother. She was a longtime resident of Hampton, Virginia and dedicated to volunteering with the Sisters at St. Mary Star of the Sea School, the Casemate Museum, and the Garden Club.

Virginia will be remembered for her wonderful sense of humor, her devout faith, and her commitment to strong family ties. She set an example of love and kindness for her children and all those who knew her. She was ever the optimist, only focusing on the positive. She believed in the value of education, encouraging all of her children to pursue professional careers. "Mothers hold their children's hands for just a little while, and their hearts forever."

Virginia is survived by her children, Kathleen Wright (Kevin Wright) Karlsruhe, Germany, Christine Picchi (Roger Lerseth, deceased) Oak Harbor, WA, Debra Picchi (Tom Desrosiers) Keene, NH, Stephen Picchi (Brandon Jaffe) New Orleans, LA, and Amy Picchi Indialantic, FL. She is also survived by her granddaughter Michelle Saczynski (Jim Jenkins) Havelock, NC; her brother, Geoffrey Barrett, Elizabeth City, NC, and many nieces, nephews, and extended family members. Virginia's husband, Ferrer, and daughter, Leslie, predeceased her.

The family wishes expressions of sympathy to take the form of contributions to the St. Mary Star of the Sea Building Fund. Viewing will be at R. Hayden Smith Funeral Home on Tuesday, September 24 ^th from 6 pm to 7 pm. A Mass to celebrate Virginia's life will take place on Thursday, September 26 ^th at 12 noon at St Mary's Church on Fort Monroe. Burial will be in Arlington National Cemetery at a later date. Her family wishes to share one of her favorite Irish poems:

May the road rise to meet you

May the wind be always at your back

May the sunshine warm upon your face

May the rains fall upon your fields

And until we meet again

May God hold you

in the hollow of His hand.