Ms Joan Dorothy (Murphy) Vayo

Joan was born in Hong Kong, BCC on April 5, 1933 to parents Rear Admiral John D. Murphy and Dorothy Regina Mannion Murphy, both of Kansas.

She was preceded in death by her late husband Naval Commander Myles Paul Vayo, of Chelmsford, Massachusetts.

Raised as a Navy junior during war time, she lived in such places as Waikiki Beach HI, Long Beach CA, Rhode Island, Maryland, and Washington DC. She married in 1960 and had children while living in San Diego CA, before moving to Arlington VA and ultimately Alexandria, VA.

After obtaining her undergraduate degree at Trinity College in DC, Joan pursued and obtained her master's degree with a focus in History from Georgetown University. She also worked an internship with the CIA during graduate school. She taught school for 14 years and enjoyed her years on Capitol Hill working as an AA for Congressman Glenn Anderson.

Joan was a devout Catholic and unapologetically Republican, who tirelessly advocated for pro-life efforts. Described by her college classmates as having "imperturbable mien", she was known to her family as having a confident outspoken nature. She enjoyed serving as an election official for the Alexandria VA precinct when called upon. Joan spent much of her retirement years working as an usher at both the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts and the George Washington University Lisner Auditorium in Washington, DC. Before moving to live in Wilmington, NC, with her daughter, Joan enjoyed participating in the Mystery Book club at Alexandria Co. Library.

Joan is survived by her three children, 10 grandchildren and 1 great granddaughter:

Ann Therese Vayo Geraci, 61, of Virginia Beach, VA

Paul Murphy Vayo, 60, of Gaithersburg, Maryland ;

and Christine Elizabeth Vayo, 53, of Wilmington, NC.

Grandchildren: Christopher, Michael, Nicholas, Joseph, and Genevieve Geraci; Shannon Vayo and Victoria Nelson, and great-granddaughter Vivian Louise; Hannah, Nellie and Emma Leddy.

Eldest of 4, Joan's surviving siblings include: John D. Murphy of McLean, VA; Ann Murphy Winters of Midlothian VA, and retired Colonel Dennis M. Murphy of Luray, VA.

A Funeral Mass will be held on June 1, 2023 at 12 o'clock noon at Star of the Sea Catholic Church, 1404 Pacific Ave 23451 with nephew Reverend Christopher Murphy presiding. Interment following immediately afterwards at Star of the Sea Columbarium.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to: Arlington Diocese Priesthood Retirement Fund (https://www.arlingtondiocese.org/give/second-collections/) or to the Dominican Sisters of St. Cecilia (https://www.nashvilledominican.org/)

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.CobleGreenlawn.com for the Vayo family.