Lillian N. Whitney
6/22/1956 - 4/11/2015
/fit-in/200x300/filters:fill(white)/prod/1514/theme/kiyduzt4ocuyjdei7tgt.jpg)
Obituary For Lillian N. Whitney
Virginia Beach
On Saturday, April 11th at 10:25 am, Lillian Nancy Whitney's brilliant light was prematurely extinguished at the age of 58, leaving the many whose lives she touched in a state of confusion and dismay.
Born in the Pelham Bay area of the Bronx, New York City, Lil moved with her mother to Virginia Beach, where she met the love of her life, her husband Steve Whitney. Together they started a family with the birth of a son, Shane, and a daughter, Amber. Family was of the utmost importance in Lil's life and she served as the "rock" of the Whitney household. For the last two and a half years, Lil cherished her role as "Nana" to Shane and wife Laura's daughter Carys. Like her mother, Helen, the amount of love Lil exhibited to her family showed no bounds and we can only hope to cope with her absence. Lil's giving spirit led to her spending the last five years serving as a substitute teacher with the Virginia Beach Public School System. Her beautiful smile was a familiar sight in the halls and classrooms of Lynnhaven, Alanton, and Windsor Woods Elementary schools. One of Lil's favorite hobbies was reading and she looked forward to the monthly meetings with "her girls" in the Lynnhaven Literary Club. It wasn't uncommon for her to be reading several books at once, simplified only by the introduction of her trusty Kindle.
Lil was preceded in death by her father, Frederick Heipel, her mother, Helen Heipel, her brothers Fritzy and Michael Heipel and her sister, Nancy Singler.
Her untimely passing left her family heartbroken. Lil is survived by her loving husband of 33 years, Steve Whitney; her son, Shane Whitney and his wife Laura; her daughter, Amber Zander and her husband Jason; and her granddaughter, Carys Whitney.
A celebration of Lil's life will be held on Saturday, May 30th in her beloved garden. Guests are invited between the hours of 1pm and 4pm, with a prayer being read at 2pm. Please email LilsMemorial@gmail.com if you would like to attend. In lieu of flowers, we will be collecting donations, books and school supplies at the celebration to be distributed in her honor to local elementary schools.
The Whitney family would like to thank all of Lil's family and friends that have reached out during this tragic time. Your love has provided us with much needed comfort and we appreciate it with all our hearts.
Photos & Video
Add New Photos & Video
Condolences
-
04/08/2021
I am so sorry to hear about your loss you will be on my prayers God Bless
-
04/08/2021
My prayers to your family as you cope with the loss of Lil. I was a good friend from the CHKD Driftwood Circle. I have many fond memories of Lil. She was always positive and a a joy to be around. I am hoping that the warm memories of Lil will help you get through this difficult time.
-
04/08/2021
So sorry to hear of Lil's passing. She was a bright light, always happy and helpful. As a circle member she was a true worker bee. She was the first to volunteer for anything needed and performed with a beautiful smile on her face. Love you Lil!!
-
04/08/2021
My deepest sympathy to all of you. She is missed by her friends in Driftwood Circle.
-
04/08/2021
Steve, Shane, Amber and all of Lil's Family, "The tide recedes but leaves behind bright seashells on the sand. The sun goes down, but gentle warmth still lingers on the land. The music stops, and yet it echoes on in sweet refrains..... For every joy that passes, something beautiful remains." Please accept our most heartfelt sympathies for your loss…our thoughts are with you and your family during this difficult time, and Lil will always be in our hearts Much Love from your Florida Family
-
04/08/2021
We are both so sorry for your loss. We were just getting to know you all. It took us by surprise. Some things we have no control over.
-
04/08/2021
Steve, Shane, Amber and family, we are so deeply saddened by your loss. Even though we only knew Lil for a short few years, we can see the deep impact she made on everyone she meet and her family. She was a graceful woman who would be proud of the legacy she has passed on to her daughter ( our daughter-in-law) her son Shane and granddaughter. We felt the love she had for her husband and family. She treated us like family. We pray for peace and comfort for the Whitney clan. May her memories live forever!
-
04/08/2021
Steve, Shane, Amber and family, we are so deeply saddened by your loss. Even though we only knew Lil for a short few years, we can see the deep impact she made on everyone she meet and her family. She was a graceful woman who would be proud of the legacy she has passed on to her daughter ( our daughter-in-law) her son Shane and granddaughter. We felt the love she had for her husband and family. She treated us like family. We pray for peace and comfort for the Whitney clan. May her memories live forever!
-
04/08/2021
We were sadden to hear about Lil - our hearts and prayers go out to everything that Lil's life touched. She will truly be missed but memories will keep her with us - Love Lynn & Rick McLean
-
04/08/2021
We were sadden to hear about Lil - our hearts and prayers go out to everything that Lil's life touched. She will truly be missed but memories will keep her with us all. Love Lynn & Rick McLean
-
04/08/2021
I am so sorry to hear about your loss you will be on my prayers God Bless
-
04/08/2021
Lil was in my Kings Daughters Circle. She was such a ball of energy and a happy person. She will be greatly missed! I pray that her family be comforted by fond memories.
-
04/08/2021
I am so sorry to hear about your loss you will be on my prayers God Bless
-
04/08/2021
Steve,Shane,Amber I am truly saddened by your loss.
-
04/08/2021
We will always remember how sweet and loving you were to us and our children. Every time we were around you or at your house you always treated us like family. You are missed tremendously by everyone. Thank you for the memories we created at your parties and pool volleyball. Love, Scott, Kiersten, Josie, and Malachi
-
04/08/2021
I am so sorry for your loss.
-
04/08/2021
We are so sorry for your loss. Please know that you all are in our thoughts and prayers.
-
04/08/2021
I am truly heartbroken for you Steve, Shane, Amber (and your families.) Although I work with families that have lost their loved ones everyday, it is a level all its own when it is a member of your own family. I pray that God has and continues to protect you & guide you through your grief. With sympathy & love, Angela & Nicholas
-
04/08/2021
When I found out of Lil's passing I felt bad for Amber as I had know ideal and asked her how Lil was. I'm still thinking about our lives when we were close and we drifted apart for know reason just want separate ways I am glad to have had her be a part of my life even for a short time she helped me get through some stuff she always listen to me and helped me get through she was there when I needed some one
-
04/08/2021
When I found out of Lil's passing I felt bad for Amber as I had know ideal and asked her how Lil was. I'm still thinking about our lives when we were close and we drifted apart for know reason just want separate ways I am glad to have had her be a part of my life even for a short time she helped me get through some stuff she always listen to me and helped me get through she was there when I needed some one
-
04/08/2021
May the peace God gives sustain your family during this difficult time. Lean on one another as the days ahead become too hard to bear alone. Share your memories, they will be a source of joy. Seeing the promises in God's Word the Bible will help you to gain strength and fortify your hearts, granting you comfort. (2 Thessalonians 2:16,17; jw.org)
-
04/08/2021
Mr. Whitney, My condolences. God's Speed. Jim Soltz
-
04/08/2021
Lil was such a vivacious and instantly likable soul,who made you feel welcome and part of her family from the moment we met her. She has made a forever impact on my life and my family for which I am grateful and blessed to have known her. She will live forever in our hearts.Our thoughts and prayers go out to Steve, Shane and Amber we love you.
-
04/08/2021
Amber, I'm so sorry for your loss. Our loved ones live on in our memories and in the lives they touched. They are never forgotten. That is our true legacy. Prayers for all of you to find the peace you seek. Love, Mrs Rizzo
-
04/08/2021
Condolences from the Tetreault family. We are sorry for your loss and we will keep your family in our thoughts.
-
04/08/2021
Dear Steve, Lil was a SPECIAL lady who had it ALL and so appreciated you and your dear family. She could do anything with grace. She made time for friends and would make us feel special. We treasure the family photos and many happy times we shared. Lil's smile will always be with us - we are blessed to call you friends. May the Lord wrap you and your family in His arms and give you strength and peace. Our deepest sympathy and love,
-
04/08/2021
I enjoyed knowing Lil through King's Daughters She was a lovely person and will be missed.
-
04/08/2021
I so enjoyed the time I spent with Lil when working on Kings Daughters' projects for Driftwood Circle. She was a special lady who could always put a smile on my face. My condolences to her wonderful family and her many friends.
-
04/08/2021
My deepest condolences to the Whitney family. Lillian was a wonderful person who will truly be missed. I will miss seeing her warm smile at work (Lynnhaven ES). May you find some solace and comfort that she is the family's personal angel in heaven. You are in my prayers.
-
04/08/2021
I am so sorry for the loss of my cousin Lillian. We had not seen each other for many years, but became re-acquainted through social media. She has left us too soon. I know she will be truly missed by her family and friends. My heartfelt condolences go out to her family.
-
04/08/2021
I enjoyed knowing Lil through King's Daughters She was a lovely person and will be missed.
-
04/08/2021
We so loved Lil! Her bubbly personality and infectious smile made that easy. We only wished that we had lived closer so we could have enjoyed it more!! She will be greatly missed! Love Curt and Terri
-
04/08/2021
We so loved Lil! Her bubbly personality and infectious smile made that easy. We only wished that we had lived closer so we could have enjoyed it more!! She will be greatly missed! Love Curt and Terri
-
04/08/2021
We were sadden to learn the loss of your dear Lillian. She was always a positive and caring person to her family and others. We will miss her very much. Our prayers and thoughts are with the family. The Disharoons
-
04/08/2021
My thoughts and prayer go out to you and your family. I ask the Lord for healing within your hearts and to provide you comfort during these uncertain time. I am truly sorry for you lost!!!!
-
04/08/2021
Can't imagine what you are all going through! Lil was such a beautiful person inside and out! She truly had a heart of gold and we were so blessed to have known her! Our hearts and love are with each of you! Ted and Judy
-
04/08/2021
Our condolences to the family. God bless.
-
04/08/2021
Our thoughts and prayers have and will continue to be with your family.
-
04/08/2021
Sincere Condolences from The Hogge Family. We will cherish the special memories we have of Lil. She was a wonderful person.
-
04/08/2021
Lillian is greatly missed by her Lynnhaven friends. I will miss her beautiful smile and her saying "You think", She could always make me smile. I miss you my friend. Rest in peace. Jane and Robert Smith
-
04/08/2021
The world lost an angel and heaven gained an angel. Lil was not only family, but a loved friend as well. So glad we had our week in January together, will hold those memories always in our hearts. Our thoughts and prayers are with you Steve, Shane, Laura, Carys, Amber and Jason. Love you all.....
-
04/08/2021
Amber, I just wanted to tell you how sorry I am for the loss of your Mom. I remember how you talked about how great your parents were. Praying for the pain to ease...love you, Val
Add a Candle or Spiritual Image
Click below to add to your message.
/candles/candle-blue-unlit.gif "CANDLE_BLUE")
/candles/candle-green-unlit.gif "CANDLE_GREEN")
/candles/candle-lavender-unlit.gif "CANDLE_LAVENDER")
/candles/candle-orange-unlit.gif "CANDLE_ORANGE")
/candles/candle-pink-unlit.gif "CANDLE_PINK")
/candles/candle-red-unlit.gif "CANDLE_RED")
/candles/candle-white-unlit.gif "CANDLE_WHITE")
/candles/candle-yellow-unlit.gif "CANDLE_YELLOW")
/religious/dove.jpg "DOVE")
/religious/cross-bible.jpg "CROSS_BIBLE")
/religious/cross.jpg "CROSS")
/religious/cross-draped.jpg "CHURCH_DRAPED")
/religious/cross-raised.jpg "CROSS_RAISED")
/religious/fish.jpg "FISH")
/religious/church.jpg "CHURCH")
/religious/torah.jpg "TORAH")
/religious/crescent-star.jpg "CRESCENT_STAR")
/religious/yin-yang.jpg "YIN_YANG")
/religious/chalice.jpg "CHALICE")
/religious/ten-commandments.jpg "TEN_COMMANDMENTS")
/religious/david-star.jpg "DAVID_STAR")
/religious/menorah.jpg "MENORAH")
/religious/crescent-quran.jpg "CRESCENT_QURAN")
/religious/crescent-mosque.jpg "CRESCENT_MOSQUE")
Useful Links
Add Your Useful Link
Contact Us to have your link and message added here.
Please fill out the form below. We will contact suitable submissions with further details.