Obituary of Linda Wade Pharis

Our beloved Linda Lee Wade Pharis passed away in the early hours of March 30th surrounded by music and her family. She was the best wife and mama, an incredible writer and artist, and a champion for the environment. She was brilliant, kind, funny, thoughtful, honest, and a great listener.

Linda is survived by her husband John Pharis, daughter Virginia Pharis and son-in-law Matthew Golub, grandson Emmett Pharis-Golub, brother-in-law Karl Pharis, and “Sneester” Laura Pharis, as well as beloved nieces, nephews, cousins and friends across the continent. She is preceded in death by her parents Douglas Kent Wade and Leonora Louise McKay, and her best friend Phyllis DiMaurizi.

Linda was born in Richmond, but considered herself a true Roanoker and became a pillar of her community after moving to the star city in 1984.

She received degrees from Monticello College, Virginia Commonwealth University School of the Arts, the Montessori Institute, and the Virginia Commonwealth University Master’s Department in Education.

She spent her professional talents promoting education at the Montessori Institute, Maymont Park, the Valentine Museum, Center in the Square (including important work on the Henry Street Revival), Cox Cable, and Blue Ridge PBS.

After her well-earned retirement, she served as a Board President of the Blue Ridge Land Conservancy and was awarded the first annual George Kegley Award for Volunteerism in 2022.

She was a member of several local book clubs and the JC Penney Bra and Panty Club.

She wrote many articles for Colors RVA magazine and the Blue Ridge Business Journal, and was the best and most prolific user of Facebook.  

In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation to the Blue Ridge Land Conservancy. 1305 Maple Ave SW Roanoke, Virginia 24016.

A Memorial Service will be held at the Taubman Museum of Art on 4/23/2023 at 5:30pm. Another small gathering will be held in Richmond in May—please contact Virginia Pharis for details.

Goodnight and don’t forget to brush your teeth