Virginia Derbyshire, 88, of Hellertown, PA, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, July 9, 2025 at St. Luke's Hospital in Bethlehem, PA.

Born on April 26, 1937 in Philadelphia, Virginia graduated from the University of Delaware in 1959 with a Bachelor of Science degree. She dedicated her professional life to healthcare and education, working as a medical technologist in Hematology at Quakertown Hospital and later at St. Luke's Hospital for a combined 21 years of service. From 1990 to 2000, she also shared her expertise as an adjunct professor of Hematology at Northampton County Community College.

Virginia was deeply committed to her Christian faith, the sciences, and her lifelong passion for the natural world. She was a trusted source of knowledge for many who sought her guidance on nature-related topics. Her dedication was exemplified through her volunteer service as a cooperative weather observer for the National Weather Service, a role she faithfully held from 1972 until her passing. In recognition of her decades of service, she was honored in 2021 with the prestigious John Campanius Holm Award for distinguished service to her country.

Virginia was also a devoted student of ornithology and member of the Mariton Wildlife Sanctuary, finding great joy and peace in the observation and study of birds in their natural habitats. She never missed a bird count and could often be seen wearing one of her favorite possessions—her binoculars.

A woman of unwavering faith, Virginia was a devoted 60-year member of Holland Bible Church in Holland Township, NJ, where she served as the clerk of session for over 40 years. She was an integral part of the church community where she attended every function. She especially enjoyed the Bach Choir concerts which she attended with joyful enthusiasm. She was also deeply passionate about distributing Bibles through The Gideons International—reflecting her devotion to sharing her faith with others—a ministry she often shared with her late husband of 60 years, David Leland Derbyshire, for more than 15 years on a weekly basis.

She will be remembered for her sharp intellect, deep faith, kind spirit, and for the many lives she touched through her work, teaching, and service.

Daughter of the late Dr. Irving Manford and Eloise (Powell) Waggoner, Virginia is survived by her sister, Jocelyn Eysymontt and her husband, George, of St. Michaels, Maryland, and their son, Sasha Eysymontt, his wife Liz, and their two children, Owen David and Naomi Virginia, of Chappaqua, NY. Virginia is also survived by her brother-in-law, Rodney Derbyshire, and his wife, Mary Ann, of Menlo Park, CA, Rodney’s daughters Janet Burchinal, her husband Stephen, Marcia Chmyz, her husband Andrew, and Linda Kamran, and her husband Scott. Together Rodney’s daughters have produced 3 great nieces, 6 great nephews, and one great great niece. Virginia was predeceased by her beloved husband, David, in 2018.

The family will receive relatives and friends for a visitation on Saturday, July 19, 2025, from 10-11 AM at the Holland Bible Church, 535 Riegelsville Milford Road, Milford, NJ. Funeral services will follow at 11 AM at the church with Pastor Geoff Stanley officiating. Interment will follow at the Springtown Cemetery in Springfield Township, PA.

Memorial contributions may be made to Gideons International, PO Box 140800, Nashville, TN 37214 or the Holland Bible Church, 535 Riegelsville Milford Road, Milford, NJ 08848.