She was born on January 5, 1928 in Harrisonburg and was the daughter of the late Amanda Virginia Yancey Harrison and the late Michael Howard Harrison, Jr.
Mrs. Phalen is survived by her beloved husband, John Robert Phalen. Virginia and John were united in marriage on December 23, 1950.
She is also survived by two daughters, Stephanie Ann Phalen Capps and Nancy Lynnette Phalen; and two grandsons.
In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by a sister, Elizabeth Ann Harrison Tyler Krytzer.
Virginia was a lifelong member of the United Methodist Church and attended Asbury United Methodist Church.
Mrs. Phalen graduated from Harrisonburg High School in 1945 and Madison College (JMU) in 1948. She did graduate work at JMU and UVA.
She taught at the following elementary schools, Elkton Elementary, Madison Elementary in Falls Church, Waterman Elementary in Harrisonburg, McGaheysville Elementary and Port Republic Elementary. Mrs. Phalen retired in 1987 with 35 years of service.
Mrs. Phalen had a life membership in the Rockingham-Harrisonburg SPCA, honorary life membership in the Virginia Congress of Parents and Teachers, Harrisonburg – Rockingham Retired Teachers, VARE, Harrisonburg-Rockingham Historical Society, Tri Sigma Sorority, Founders Society at JMU, Bluestone Society and Kappa Delta Pi.
She enjoyed the following hobbies, gardening, cooking, music, reading, sewing and traveling.
Rev. Joel Robinette will officiate a graveside service Thursday, June 27, 2024 at 11:00 am at Eastlawn Memorial Gardens. The casket will be closed. A reception will be held following the service at Keezletown United Methodist Church social hall.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests expressions of sympathy be made in her memory to the Rockingham-Harrisonburg SPCA, P. O. Box 413, Harrisonburg, VA 22803. Mrs. Phalen had a love for animals and enjoyed her many pets throughout her life. A special Welsh corgi, Foxie, predeceased her.
Lindsey Funeral Home in Harrisonburg is handling arrangements and condolences may be sent to the family by visiting www.lindseyfuneralhomes.com.
