Virginia Beach—Lucy Spigel Herman passed quietly on January 29, 2021, to join her beloved soulmate Frederick Herman.
Born in Norfolk in 1926, her family and friends will remember her always as a great teacher and compassionate individual who unabashedly spoke her mind. Lucy invariably defined herself as a teacher whether in the classroom of the Norfolk public schools, tutoring students with learning disabilities in her home office, or counseling those who sought her out for guidance with their own life challenges.
She and Fred enjoyed a lifetime of art, travel, and companionship. Passionate believers in the power of art to teach and inspire, they gifted their collection to the University of Virginia and University of Delaware. Lucy cared deeply for animals—especially animals in need of nurture. Cats and dogs rescued from the streets found comfort in their homes alongside basenjis and Scotties. Pedigree or stray, they all received care in equal measure. Lucy loved to write. After retirement, she penned two illustrated books for children and a memoir that focused on her experiences as an advocate for desegregation in the schools in the 1960s. She invariably chose a path that spoke to social justice even when her stance drew the disapprobation of others. She lived by example and that example made those who came into her orbit better people.
Lucy is survived by her two children: Bernard L. Herman and Fredrika Herman Jacobs, as well as her son-in-law Paul Jacobs, daughter-in-law Rebecca Herman, granddaughters Jessica Jacobs Roussanov and Lania Rebecca Herman, great grandson Peter Roussanov, and her caregiver and companion Agnes Nuno.
Donations in Lucy’s name to local chapters of the ASPCA.
Burial was private.