Joan “Jody” Jiral
May 6, 1958 – June 16, 2023
Joan “Jody” Jiral passed away on June 16, 2023, in Richmond, VA while surrounded by loved ones.
She attended four years at Bishop O’Connell High School, graduating in 1976, and then her next four years at James Madison University, graduating in 1980. During those years, she played clarinet, became a liturgical reader at Mass, was elected the social services minister of CCM (Catholic Campus Ministries), spent four years running a ministry to Linville Prison and 2 years at a ministry at Western State, and achieved her B.S. with honors, double majoring in religious studies and special education. After JMU, she taught students with special needs in the Waynesboro school system. After a year, she changed careers and became a paralegal in a DC law firm and lead discovery production team in southern California. She continued her paralegal career in Richmond, VA as she got married in 1985 and had three wonderful children. In 2000, she completed her master’s degree in religious education from Loyola University, got divorced and, for the next 6 years, taught religion at St. Gertrude High School. She also started playing clarinet with the Richmond Pops Band and played with them for the next 20+ years. In 2011, she began working with the Commission. Over the 40+ years since moving to Richmond, she was active in the Catholic community, doing volunteer work which ranged from coaching softball, basketball and tiger cubs, to teaching confirmation classes, Vacation Bible school and children’s liturgy, to continuing to be a Liturgical reader.
Survivors include her three children, Erika Haldi, Greg Jiral, and Kira Jiral; her brother, Tim O’Rourke; her mother, Louise O’Rourke; and her dog, Darcy. She also leaves behind her daughter-in-law, Rachel Jiral; son-in-law, Matthew Haldi; and two grandsons, Joey and Miles Haldi.
The family will receive friends who wish to express their condolences at a gathering held Friday, June 23, 2023, from 5 to 7 pm at Affinity Funeral Service, 2720 Enterprise Pkwy, Richmond, VA 23294. A funeral service will be held at 1:00 on Saturday, June 24, 2023, at St. Bridget’s Catholic Church with a reception to follow.
In lieu of flowers, you may wish to consider a donation in Jody’s memory to Bishop O’Connell High School, directed to the Campus Ministry and Retreats Program or to Little Hands Virginia.
Our deepest condolences to the O’Rourke and Jiral families. We are very saddened by the news of Jody’s passing. She was a lovely lady and always so thoughtful. Sending extra love and hugs to all of the family. May Jody rest in peace and be forever remembered for the many wonderful accomplishments and acts of kindness.
Erika, Greg, & Kira
My deepest condolences in the loss of your mom. Please know you are in my prayers as you prepare to say “farewell” for now as we know you’ll see her one day in the future. May you have the Peace that surpasses all understanding.
Many prayers and deep condolences to Jody’s family. We worked together at the Commission for over 12 years, meeting her on her first day. Her sense of humor and her natural willingness to help made her unique, and adding her deep faith, you knew she cared and put her all in everything she did. She will be missed, and when ever I think of the times I saw the Richmond Pops, I will fondly think of Jody.
My deepest condolences to the family of Jody Jiral. She was a kind person who always had a smile and a warm spirit. My thoughts and prayers are with you and I pray that your sweet memories of her will bring you comfort now and in the days to come.
Jody was always such a spirited, giving, and kind person. She followed her faith and made it her passion. She infused that passion into her many other talents. She will be greatly missed. My condolences to the entire family.
Words can’t express how sorry I am for your loss. I worked with Jody for about 12 years at the Commission and she was definitely one of a kind. We had so much fun planning parties, and working together. She was such an amazing person. She was always there when someone needed help. I would always get a kick out of some of her sayings. Her last message to me was that I was a “son of a biscuit”. I will never forgot on our employee appreciation week one year we did a skit to All About that Bass. She was so much fun and will really be missed. My prayers and thoughts are with her family.
Jody will be sorely missed. I enjoyed working with her at the Commission. She was a team player. She was always there to help me when I needed her. Jody loved pizza and we would go to lunch sometimes and enjoy a pizza together. She also always had a way to make me laugh. My thoughts and prayers are with her family at this very difficult time. She may be gone but not forgotten.
Jody and I go back all the way to St Thomas More days. I am very saddened to hear this news. I am sending love and prayers to all her family. Kathy Malherek McLaurin
I want to extend my deepest condolences to the family and friends of Ms. Jiral. She was one of my favorite teachers at St. Gertrude I always remember her kind and joyous spirit. My sincerest thoughts and prayers are with her family. Rest in honor Ms. Jiral, always in my heart.
Sincere sympathy is extended to Jody’s family, from the Virginia Workers’ Compensation Commission (Team VWC), during this time of unexpected loss. We at the Commission are heartbroken and very sad to hear of her passing; Jody was a great member of Team VWC. She took extreme pride in her position and performed the functions as a Judicial Assistant with extraordinary dedication and attention to detail. Jody was always willing to assist the Commission when the need arose. She often worked for two different Deputy Commissioners, filling a void when needed in the judicial process. She never thought twice about this, keeping the work moving forward, assisting our many stakeholders, injured workers and fellow Team Members. Jody also was our events expert, always volunteering to plan judicial luncheons, employee appreciation events, holiday gatherings, celebrations for the reappointment of Commissioners and swearing in of new Deputy Commissioners and many others activities. We had lots of fun because of Jody’s input in planning these events. Jody had exceptional talent at all of this and we depended on this expertise to make the work products and special events of the highest quality and very joyous occasions. It is difficult to believe that her presence in the Commission’s family has ended. We are stunned by this news; however, we know that she is resting in our Savior’s arms as she was a woman of strong faith and conviction. We were blessed to have her on Team VWC, contributing much to our success as a Top Workplace; we miss you Jody. Thank you for sharing your talents with the Virginia Workers’ Compensation Commission and your faith with many of us. God bless you and your family, especially your wonderful children, and beautiful Mother, everyone who had the opportunity to share in your meaningful and impactful life. You all remain in our thoughts and prayers.
Evelyn V. McGill, Executive Director
Virginia Workers’ Compensation Commission
To Jody’s family and friends, please know that you are surrounded by love, prayers and condolences from so many people who knew her. I was lucky enough to have a classroom next door to Jody’s at Saint Gertrude High School. She was a spirit-filled teacher who was fully present for every student and offered great insight and support. I particularly remember an excellent sophomore retreat she led one year, and the atmosphere of love and connection she fostered for all, students and teachers alike. What a loss. I want you to know that she touched many, many lives — including mine — and we are all better for having known her. God bless.