2025 SESSION

INTRODUCED

25107013D

HOUSE JOINT RESOLUTION NO. 706

Offered February 16, 2025

Celebrating the life of Louise Stuart Tabb Whipple.

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Patrons—Carr, Cousins and McQuinn; Senator: Bagby

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WHEREAS, Louise Stuart Tabb Whipple, a devoted educator and a highly admired community leader in Richmond, died on July 30, 2024; and

WHEREAS, Louise Whipple grew up in the Glenburnie neighborhood of Richmond and graduated from Thomas Jefferson High School, where she was selected for Girls State and received an award for her character, intelligence, service, and leadership; and

WHEREAS, Louise Whipple continued her education at what is now Mary Baldwin University; she played field hockey, chaired the Honor Court, cultivated lifelong friendships, and studied abroad in Germany, which ignited a passion for travel; as a senior, she earned the Algernon Sydney Sullivan Award for her achievements in scholarship, athletics, and community service; and

WHEREAS, after graduation, Louise Whipple briefly worked at Harvard Medical School, then moved to New York City and worked with Scribner's publishing company as an editor of book jackets; she subsequently pursued a master's degree in teaching from Manhattanville University, then taught English in Scarsdale, New York, before returning to Richmond; and

WHEREAS, Louise Whipple was a champion for Richmond Public Schools and helped establish the first parent teacher association at Mary Munford Elementary School; in 1980, she also began teaching English as a second language courses and continued to do so until her retirement in 2012; and

WHEREAS, an alumna of Leadership Metro Richmond, Louise Whipple provided her wise counsel to the Junior League of Richmond and served as president of the Greater Richmond Chapter of the Alzheimer's Association; and

WHEREAS, Louise Whipple enjoyed fellowship and worship with the congregation of First Presbyterian Church, where she served as church librarian and held other leadership roles; and

WHEREAS, in later life, Louise Whipple enjoyed spending time between Richmond and her family farm in Brownsburg; she participated in a hockey team for senior women, founded a bridge club, and was an active member of the Noname Book Club; and

WHEREAS, Louise Whipple inspired others through her quiet confidence, kindness, and grace, and her holiday traditions never failed to bring joy to her loved ones; and

WHEREAS, Louise Whipple will be fondly remembered and greatly missed by her husband, Fred; her children, Laura and James, and their families; her stepsons, David and Robert, and their families; and numerous other family members and friends; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED by the House of Delegates, the Senate concurring, That the General Assembly hereby note with great sadness the loss of Louise Stuart Tabb Whipple; and, be it

RESOLVED FURTHER, That the Clerk of the House of Delegates prepare a copy of this resolution for presentation to the family of Louise Stuart Tabb Whipple as an expression of the General Assembly's respect for her memory.