Obituary for Joy Hawley:
It is with great sadness we announce the passing of our beloved, Joy Marie (Brennan) Hawley, 63, on February 13, 2020, at Dulles Health & Rehab Center, Herndon, VA.
Joy was born June 7, 1956 in Carbondale, PA, the daughter of Frank P. & Nancy A. (Barry) Brennan. Joy, along with two Sisters and five Brothers, was raised in Brookland Estates/ Franconia, Alexandria, VA and attended Bush Hill Elementary, Mark Twain Middle School and Thomas Edison Highschool. During Highschool Joy volunteered as a Candy Striper at Alexandria Hospital and helped start a day care/Mom’s Day Out program as part of her home economics class at Edison Highschool. From early on I life Joy had a penchant for caring for others and wanted to go to Nursing School. Amazingly talented and industrious, Joy was a very gifted seamstress who expertly sewed everything from dresses to bedspreads and drapery and loved crafting.
At the age of 16, Joy survived a horrible car accident which changed her life forever, leaving her withsevere physical limitations. However, that did not stop Joy from living a full and beautiful life. A Women of indomitable spirit and a joyful heart, Joy took on any adversity that came her way with grit and determination. Never once feeling sorry for herself, she worked hard to change what she could and accepted with grace what she could not.
Joy worked for many years in administration in our Father’s Insurance office and then went on to work in Administration for Fairfax County until 2007. Joy married her best friend and loving husband, Ronald W. Hawley in 1990 and had a Son, Ronald W. Jr. and settled into a Condo in Newington Forest, and later purchased their Condo in Lorton, VA where they lived for many years and where her Husband Ron still resides. Joy and Ron loved attending Country Western Concerts, Car Races, Shopping at the Mall and shared a love of watching football games together on TV.
Joy’s greatest pleasure was to make things for the people in her life, she liked latch hooking, painting, drawing and crafting and gifting her creations to her family and friends. She loved to laugh and loved to make people smile, Joy had a wonderful sense of humor and enjoyed funny stories, jokes and pranks. Joy’s love and kindness touched many people’s lives and she is loved by many, her presence on earth will be terribly missed.
An exemplary example of how we all should live our lives, Joy met each day, right up to the last day of her life, with dignity, grace, gratitude, kindness and a beautiful smile for everyone. Joy is predeceased by her Parents, Frank P. & Nancy A Brennan. Surviving in addition to her Husband, Ronald W. Hawley, are her son Ronald W. Hawley Jr., Sisters, Colleen A. McQuillen and her husband Dale, MariAlyce Brennan and her husband John Guldner and Brothers, Sean F. Brennan and his wife Terri, Brian V. Brennan, Barry Brennan, Paul V. Brennan, Frank P. Brennan and his wife Sabine, and remembered by many nieces and nephews.
Visitation – Friends are invited to share their Memories of Joy on Saturday, February 22nd at 12:00 to 1:00pm at the Sacred Heart Chapel at 6430 Token Forest Rd, Woodbridge, VA
Funeral Mass at Sacred Heart Chapel (the same location) at 1:00pm
Reception to follow at 2:00pm at Montclair Country Club 16500 Edgewood Drive, Montclair, VA 22025
Recent Stories
This week, we’re thrilled to host Dr. Babur Lateef, Chairman of the Prince William County School Board, and Jennifer Wall, Gainesville District Representative, for an engaging discussion on the state of education in Prince William County on the next Potomac Local News Podcast.
Rania Lateef, a senior at Charles J. Colgan Sr. High School and the Governor’s School @ Innovation Park, daughter of Prince William School Board Chairman Babur Lateef, has been named one of 40 finalists in the prestigious 2025 Regeneron Science Talent Search (STS). Selected from nearly 2,500 applicants nationwide, Rania is recognized for her groundbreaking research on the effects of artificial light and circadian disruption on biobehavioral systems in Drosophila melanogaster. Her work highlights the impact of sleep and circadian rhythm disturbances on physical and mental health.
Rania credited her success to the supportive academic community of Prince William County Public Schools, her teachers Stephanie Brown and Dr. Alexis Patanarut, and her unique opportunities at GS@IP. As a finalist, she has already won $27,000 and will compete for additional awards totaling over $1.8 million during a week-long event in Washington, D.C., in March 2025. Rania’s journey emphasizes the power of passion and commitment in achieving meaningful scientific discoveries.
The Woodbridge District invites residents to join a Community Update Town Hall Meeting hosted by Supervisor Margaret Angela Franklin. This virtual event offers an opportunity for residents to stay informed about the latest developments and initiatives in the community.
Details of the Town Hall:
Date: January 29, 2025
Time: 7:00 PM
Location: Virtual (via Zoom)
Residents can participate in the meeting by joining the Zoom session.
On January 24, 2025, at 12:25 a.m., Sergeant E.E. West responded to a single-vehicle crash at the McDonald’s on Wonder Road. An intoxicated driver, identified as Juan Gomez Alvarez, 38, of North Carolina, entered the drive-thru at a high rate of speed, struck a sign, and came to rest at an awkward angle, blocking the lane.
Gomez Alvarez displayed red, glassy eyes and had a strong odor of alcohol. The investigation revealed that he had been convicted of DUI in New York just the previous day, making this his second offense in five years. He was charged with DUI second offense, refusal, and destruction of property and was taken to Rappahannock Regional Jail without bond.
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 fève (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:
Experience the passion and drama of Puccini’s “The Girl from the Golden West”.
Featuring special guest musicians from The Chesapeake Youth Orchestra,
this performance brings Puccini’s masterpiece to life with an extraordinary cast.
