Remembering Daria Virvan
Devout, compassionate, selfless, and funny. Those are the words that best describe Daria Virvan, a woman whose deep faith as an Orthodox Christian was reflected in every aspect of her life. Her life’s work was devoted to alleviating the suffering of those who were poor, sick, and in emotional pain. She was loving, thoughtful, and generous in her relationships with friends and family. And in everything she did, her sense of humor was irrepressible.
Daria was born April 30, 1956 in Washington, DC, the second of Tekla and George Virvan’s three children. She grew up in Bowie, MD, and was active in social causes and service organizations from a young age.
She received the county Superintendent’s Award for academic excellence when she graduated from Bowie High School, and went on to earn multiple degrees and professional certifications. After earning a bachelor of science degree in zoology from the University of Maryland, Daria completed nursing school at the university’s professional campus in Baltimore. She attended graduate school at Catholic University, where she earned a master’s degree in psychiatric nursing. Years later, she returned to the University of Maryland to complete further graduate studies to become a psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner.
Daria began her career as a registered nurse, working first in the burn unit of Children’s Hospital and later at various Washington area hospitals in surgical, intensive care, drug/alcohol treatment, and psychiatric units. She was actively involved in working with homeless people throughout her career, work that included nursing positions at Unity Health Care/Health Care for the Homeless, So Others Might Eat, and Christ House in Washington, DC.
After becoming certified as a psychiatric mental health nurse, Daria began working as a psychotherapist. Her interest in the interplay of psychological and spiritual issues led her to form Therapia, a psychotherapy practice that integrated psychotherapy’s body of knowledge with Church teachings for healing mind, body, and spirit. Daria gave presentations about mental health issues at diocesan- and church-sponsored workshops, conferences, and retreats. She wrote articles for Orthodox and nursing journals in addition to writing chapters for nursing textbooks.
The focus of her work shifted from psychotherapy to medication management when she became a nurse practitioner. She maintained a busy private practice, became a clinical instructor for the University of Maryland’s School of Nursing, and worked part-time at a psychiatric emergency clinic in Annapolis, MD.
Daria’s compassion for animals matched her compassion for people. She always had multiple pets, and prayed for the safety of animals during bad weather and natural disasters. She fostered cats for the Montgomery County Humane Society but had to stop after she adopted an entire litter of five kittens in her temporary care.
An active member of St. Nicholas for years, Daria volunteered at the Cathedral in various capacities. She served on the parish Council and was a member of the Dormition Guild. She baked prosphora, helped out at the candle counter and annual bazaar, and organized the Paschal breakfast as well as an annual Easter Egg Hunt for parish children. In addition, she started a local chapter of Orthodox Women in Healing Ministries, and accompanied Father Constantine White on some pastoral visits to area hospitals.
Attending church was a priority, and she especially loved the Paschal liturgy and hymn to the Theotokos, “The Angel Cried.” She found inspiration in the lives of Saint Elizabeth the New Martyr and Saint Xenia of St. Petersburg. Daria travelled to the Holy Land, and was a frequent visitor to the Orthodox Monastery of the Transfiguration in Ellwood City, PA. She counted priests, monks, and nuns among her many friends.
Devoted to her family, she was a loving daughter, sister, and sister-in-law. She showered her nieces, Lexi and Kristen, with attention and gifts, and loved them beyond measure. She brought a competitive spirit to board games with family and friends, and enjoyed reading.
Although she had health problems throughout her life, Daria remained more concerned about the welfare of others. She was diagnosed with ovarian cancer in 2013, and faced the disease with steadfast faith and grace. She fell asleep in the Lord on September 22, 2016. Hers was truly a life well lived.
