Stacey Visser Dendy departed this life Wednesday, August 29. Born in Virginia Beach, Virginia on April 9, 1963. She was the daughter of Dr. Roger L. Visser and Genevieve Visser. Her calling was as a mother and wife but her love, joy and sparkling energy reached far beyond her own home and into the homes and hearts of so many. Her greatest legacy will be in her generosity of spirit, that joyful spark and the deep love she had for those lucky to be her closest friends and family.
Stacey devoted her life to her husband H. Benson Dendy III, and to their three sons, Marshall Benson Dendy, Thomas Alston Dendy and Henry Knox Dendy and to the causes and campaigns they passionately pursued together. She is also survived by her sister, Laura Visser Weis and her husband Dr. Barton D. Weis, of Charlottesville and her brothers and their wives, Drs. Scott and Melodye Visser of Wilmington, North Carolina and Dr. Britt and Roxanne Visser of Virginia Beach. She is also survived by her Dendy family: Henry B. Dendy, Jr. and his wife Betty of Asheville, North Carolina, Mark B. Dendy of New York, Nelljean Dendy and Randy LeRoy of Washington, D.C. and Madelyn and Sonny Tillis of Nashville, Tennessee. Stacey and her husband, Ben, have lived on West Avenue in Richmond for 27 Years. Their West Avenue neighbors are a daily presence in each other’s homes, porches and hearts, always there through laughter, joy and sorrow, and Stacey considered them her second family.
Stacey was a graduate of Norfolk Christian High School and the University of Virginia. She was a very active member and Deacon of Second Presbyterian Church, Richmond, and cherished her church community. Stacey loved to travel with her family and recently returned from trips to France, Italy and the West Coast. Stacey served as President of the Fan Townhouse and Garden Club as well as Chairman of the West Avenue Garden Tour. She was an accomplished athlete her entire life and avidly pursued tennis and golf, twice making holes-in-one at her two home courses—the Princess Anne Country Club in Virginia Beach and Willow Oaks Country Club in Richmond. Stacey leaves a gigantic hole in our hearts but also a legacy of joy and hope.
Funeral services will be held at Second Presbyterian Church on Tuesday, September 4 at 1:00 p.m. with a reception following at the Commonwealth Club. Interment will be private at Hollywood Cemetery.
The family thanks Denise Lynch for her incredible efforts and the VCU Massey Cancer Center for their care of Stacey. In lieu of flowers, donations can be given in her memory to Second Presbyterian Church, Richmond, CARITAS providing shelter for the homeless, or the VCU Massey Cancer Center.
Condolences to the family may be conveyed online at www.woodyfuneralhomeparham.com
