Lisa Michelle Reeder

Lisa Michelle Reeder, 44, of Charlottesville, Virginia, passed away peacefully surrounded by family and friends on October 14, 2018. Born on January 13th, 1974, in Fairfax, Virginia, she was the daughter of the late William Earl and Margeret Cuje Reeder.

Lisa graduated from the School of Commerce at the University of Virginia in 1996 and the Natural Gourmet Institute for Food and Health in 2003.

A lifelong advocate for local food, Lisa was one of the Local Food Hub's earliest employees. She joined the organization in 2010 and filled a variety of roles during her time there, beginning with purchasing and farmer relations as the Value Chain Coordinator. Most recently, she served as the Farm and Food Access Coordinator and Interim Director of Grower Services, coordinating efforts to get nutritious local food to vulnerable populations, and supporting more than 60 small Virginia farms. Lisa was the driving force behind the very impactful Fresh Farmacy program which partners with the local health district to prescribe participants with a biweekly supply of fresh vegetables and fruits grown by local farming partners. Additionally she was an enthusiastic participant in the Charlottesville Food Justice Network and several other coalitions.

Her contribution to this community extends well beyond her professional accomplishments. Lisa maintained cherished friendships which will be held deeply forever by those who loved her. She spoke with kindness and clarity. Lisa was a good listener and friend, always present in her relationships, drawing people in with her inclusive nature and taking the time to make all feel welcome. Her natural parenting style full of patience and grace served as an influence to all who knew her. Lisa's zest for life was infectious and her light lives on for all of us.

A devoted partner, sister and mother, Lisa is survived by her sisters Patti Reeder and Missy Coy, her partner Geoff Shaw, son Lincoln Shaw, and countless friends and community members who loved her dearly.

A celebration of Lisa's life will be held on Sunday, November 11th, 2018, at 2pm on Forest Hill Farm located at 2697 Milton Road in Keswick, Virginia.

A fund has been established in her honor at: https://www.gofundme.com/in-memory-of-lisa-reeder