In Memoriam
Courtney B. Hirsch
1980-2021
After a lengthy battle with illness, Courtney passed on October 26, 2021 at the age of 41 at home.
Courtney was born on October 5, 1980 and grew up and attended school in Fairfax, Virginia. She moved to Williamsburg, Virginia in March of 2019.
In spite of physical limitations imposed by cerebral palsy, she enjoyed a full and highly productive life. While in elementary school she participated in the percussion section of her school’s band, where she mastered the triangle. As a student at Falls Church High she was a member of the cheer squad. Following her graduation she attended the Annandale Campus of Northern Virginia Community College (NOVA) and received her Associate’s Degree in 2019.
Courtney was never one to let physical obstacles hold her back. While attending NOVA she spent a summer as an intern at the US Army’s Logistics Readiness Center at Fort Belvoir, where she was awarded special recognition by the Center’s Commanding Officer for her service and contributions.
Courtney was also a world traveler. In addition to numerous trips within the lower 48, she had the opportunity to visit Hawaii and Australia. The latter courtesy of the Make-A-Wish Foundation. Highlights of her Australian trip included meeting with the Australian Ambassador to the United States, flying in the cockpit of the Quantas 747, attending a ballet of Prokoviev’s Cinderella, and holding “Chelsea” the Koala bear named after President Clinton’s daughter. Courtney enjoyed going to Shakespeare Plays at the Folger Theater in D.C. She also loved movies and all kinds of music, including the classical her father played and she never missed the opportunity to say “Dad, can you please turn the volume down.”
To all who knew her or just met her, Courtney was the embodiment of life. She was never without a smile and never complained. She radiated warmth, sincerity and kindness to all; always asking loved ones and strangers alike “How was your weekend” and “Can I help.”
While Courtney may have been unable to walk, she has left large and indelible footsteps for all she met to follow. She was a truly an inspiration and a special person.
Courtney is survived by her parents Robert Hirsch and Vickie Walton and her step-dad Cornel Walton. She is also survived by a large extended family including aunts and uncles Rickie and Percy Leonard of Austin, TX , Dr. David and Laura Hirsch of San Antonio, TX, Lisa and Ben Evans of Leamington Spa, UK, James Walton Jr., and Isaac Walton of Pittsburgh, PA and Sandra Walton of Plano, TX. , and many cousins and their families.
For those wishing to perpetuate her spirit and memory, donations in Courtney’s name can be made to either the Make-A Wish Foundation, Shiners’ Hospital, or St. Jude’s Hospital, in lieu of sending flowers, Events to celebrate Courtney’s life will also be held for family and friends in the future.
Tribute Wall