Mary Virginia Darmstadter

Mary Virginia (Virginia) Lagarde Darmstadter passed away in New Orleans on Friday, September 27, 2019 at the age of 89. Virginia was a native New Orleanian. She was born to Louis and Mary Virginia Lagarde. She graduated at the age of 15 from Sophie B. Wright School. She received a B.A. from Tulane University, M.A. from American University and completed course requirements for a PhD Studies from American University. Throughout her life, Virginia pursued education and opportunities. She was a translator for the National Security Agency during the early years of the Cold War. Afterwards, she taught French and World Studies in Northern Virginia public schools before going on to work as a lobbyist in Washington D.C. for a rail boxcar company. Later in life, she owned and successfully managed a vacation rental business, a property management business, a Pre-K/early education school, and other business concerns. She also was heavily involved in the Episcopal Church, having received her Education for Ministry Certificate. Virginia is preceded in death by her parents, her brother David Lagarde, her first husband Henry C. Darmstadter, Jr. at the age of 43, and her last husband Eugene B. Stamm. Virginia is survived by her five children: Henry C. Darmstadter, III, Lisette D. McClung (Michael), Louis D.P. Darmstadter, Andrew A. Darmstadter (Maryan) and Céleste V.L.D. Elliott (Douglas). She further has five grandchildren: Madeleine L. Dorsett (Justin), Daniel B. Johnson, Henry M. Darmstadter, Paul F. Darmstadter, and Elizabeth J.L. Elliott. Virginia was a member of The Society of the Founders of the City of New Orleans and the Daughters of the American Revolution. She was an accomplished pianist, continuing to take lessons until the year before her death. She was a Francophile and loved her City. Shortly after the very first opening of the city after Katrina, she was found cleaning the yard of her beloved Garden District home by a national news reporter who quoted her as saying: “This is my home. I will never leave New Orleans.” She overcame adversity her entire life with tenacity and endurance. She championed education and hard work and encouraged all her children to pursue the same. A Funeral Service for Virginia will be held on Friday, October 4 at Christ Church Cathedral, 2919 St. Charles Avenue, at 10:00 a.m. with a visitation beginning prior to the service at 9:00 a.m. Interment will immediately follow at Hope Mausoleum on Canal Street. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Newcomb Department of Music at Tulane University.