Join

Joan R. Ritts

Joan Iona (Risser) Ritts, 86, of Woodbridge, Virginia passed away Wednesday, September 16th at Westminster of Lake Ridge of congestive heart failure.

Joan was born on July 15th 1929 in Boston, Massachusetts to Fredrick Samuel Risser and Myrtle Angeline (Elderkin) Risser. Joan grew up in the Boston area with brother, James, and graduated from Massachusetts General Hospital School of Nursing.

She served both as a staff nurse and head nurse at Massachusetts General prior to joining the United States Navy Nurse Corps, where she met her husband, career Marine Robert Orme Ritts (deceased 1993) at Camp Lejeune, North Carolina.

Joan and Robert married in 1955 and proceeded to travel the globe on Marine Corps orders, finding themselves both stateside and abroad, in destinations ranging from the French Riviera to Taiwan. During this time, Joan and Robert welcomed two daughters to the family, Susan (1956) and Sandy (1963).

Joan never returned to her professional nursing career after the birth of her children, though she continued tirelessly to care for both family and community. Amongst the many caps Joan wore were active Girl Scout leader, popular and beloved substitute middle school teacher and substitute secretary, and active member of an Alzheimer’s advisory panel and support group leader.

During the late 1970s and 80s, Joan became actively involved in the nursing home care of her mother who was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s. When she realized her own mother’s enthusiastic response to music, Joan played piano and organized rhythm bands for the residents, creating her own version of music therapy.

Over the following 35 years, she orchestrated groups at seven different nursing homes, including most recently for her fellow residents of Westminster at Lake Ridge. Joan was an active resident at Westminster, playing the woodblock in the Kitchen Band, dancing in their famed “chorus line,” and volunteering in numerous health and hospitality support and advisory capacities. Joan is survived by her brother, James Brinton Risser; two daughters, Susan Ann (Ritts) Akers and Sandra-Lynne Ritts Rose; six grandchildren and one great-grandchild; and countless beloved friends. Memorial service will be held at the Westminster at Lake Ridge Chapel, 12191 Clipper Drive, Woodbridge, at 3:30 pm on Thursday September 24th, 2015.

Private burial will be held for the family at Quantico National Cemetery. Mountcastle Turch Funeral Home of Dale City has been entrusted with arrangements. Joan’s memorial page can be viewed at www.mountcastle.net. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that you consider donations to the Alzheimer’s Foundation of America (AFA) (www.alzfdn.org).

Author

Recent Stories

The Manassas City Council voted to extend a lucrative tax incentive for Micron Technology Inc. through 2035, solidifying the semiconductor company’s continued presence in the city. The deal, passed during the February 10, 2025, council meeting, ensures Micron’s annual tax payments increase by 4% while maintaining a lower tax rate than other manufacturers.

However, the decision has raised questions about a potential conflict of interest involving Mayor Michelle Davis-Younger. Multiple sources have indicated that Davis-Younger is in a relationship with Delbert Parks, Vice President and Site Director at Micron’s Manassas facility.

Parks is named in an official letter from the mayor, dated the same day as the vote, outlining the incentives offered to Micron. During the meeting, Vice Mayor Mark Wolfe alluded to the relationship, stating that “some of the comments floating around online are BS,” referring to speculation that the mayor’s ties to Parks influenced the tax break discussions.

The Prince William Board of County Supervisors has approved a 24-acre rezoning for a new data center development along Wellington Road, despite opposition from Supervisor Bob Weir and concerns about its proximity to Unity Reed High School.

On February 4, 2025, the board approved Rezoning #REZ2024-00042, NVA05C, changing the property’s zoning from agricultural and business districts to Planned Business District (PBD) to accommodate a data center. The site, located 700 feet southwest of Freedom Center Boulevard and Wellington Road, is part of Innovation Park, an area designated for high-tech development.

The rezoning application was submitted by STACK Infrastructure, which operates data centers in multiple locations across North America, EMEA, and Asia Pacific. Some key Northern Virginia locations include:  Manassas, Ashburn, and Leesburg.

Fredericksburg is taking another step forward to become a more walkable community with the recent start of construction off LaFayette Boulevard, which is part of the city’s Twin Lake Drive and Kensington Pedestrian Connector project.

This $2.4 million project includes extending a 10-foot wide paved shared-use path along the north side of Lafayette Boulevard between Twin Lake Drive and St. Paul Street in the City of Fredericksburg. The path will be accessible, with ramps and crosswalks built where the route intersects with Twin Lakes Drive, Springwood Drive, Kensington Place, and St. Paul Street.

The project includes a paved access point to the Virginia Central Railway Trail from the cul-de-sac of Springwood Drive, and a bike repair station will be installed at Alum Spring Park.

The process Fredericksburg City Council is following to fill the vacant Ward 3 seat could conflict with state code—especially with a provision added last year that states that governing bodies must publicly announce the names of those being considered to fill a vacant seat at least seven days before the appointment is made.

? A Night on the Riviera

Experience a magical evening at the Embassy of France with A Night on the Riviera, an event that will transport you to the glamour of the French Riviera while celebrating the vibrant spirit of Mardi Gras! ?

?? Indulge in an exquisite selection of French wines and champagne, paired with the finest French cuisine prepared by the talented Chef of the Embassy of France. Additionally, Chef Hugh Cossard will be carving ham live, ensuring freshness and exceptional flavor. Don’t miss out on the authentic French crĂȘpes, made to order and sure to transport you straight to the streets of Nice.

Read More

Submit your own Community Post here.

Travel to French soil and join us for a night filled with two of the most beloved French traditions—no plane ticket required! ?

On January 25th, we invite you to experience the magic of Galette des Rois, a 700-year-old tradition celebrated across France throughout the entire month of January (and even beyond!). This sweet, almond-filled puff pastry topped with a golden crown isn’t just a treat—it’s a celebration! The lucky person who finds the fĂšve (a porcelain charm hidden in one of the slices) becomes the King or Queen for the Day, and don’t worry—there will be plenty of royalty to go around! ??

But that’s not all! In France, Les Voeux (New Year’s wishes) continue throughout January, often accompanied by Champagne and good cheer. We’re bringing that festive spirit to you, with a lively evening packed with French food, wine, and music.

What’s in store:

Read More

Submit your own Community Post here.

×

Subscribe to our mailing list