WHEREAS, Mary Frances DeLorenzo Knight, a hardworking government computer security specialist, beloved mother, and vibrant member of the Reston community, died tragically at the Washington Navy Yard on September 16, 2013; and WHEREAS, a native of Fayetteville, North Carolina, Mary Knight graduated from what was then known as Fayetteville Technical Institute in 1983; and WHEREAS, Mary Knight went on to earn a bachelor's degree from Campbell University in North Carolina and a master's degree from Webster University in Missouri; she also earned a degree from National Defense Institute in 2011; and WHEREAS, a resident of Reston for the past five years, Mary Knight served her country as a civilian employee of Naval Sea Systems Command at the Washington Navy Yard, where she was respected for her professionalism and expertise; and WHEREAS, Mary Knight worked to impart her knowledge and experience as an adjunct professor at Northern Virginia Community College, teaching spreadsheet software and software design classes at two campuses; and WHEREAS, Mary Knight cared deeply for her family and made a point of speaking to at least one of her adult daughters or her sister every day; she also enjoyed working out and traveling throughout the United States and the world; and WHEREAS, Mary Knight will be fondly remembered and deeply missed by her parents, Frank and Liliana; daughters, Nicole and Danielle, and their families; and many other family members, friends, and colleagues; and WHEREAS, the citizens of the Commonwealth will forever honor and cherish the memory of Mary Knight and the 11 other victims who died at the Washington Navy Yard on September 16, 2013; now, therefore, be it RESOLVED by the House of Delegates, the Senate concurring, That the General Assembly hereby note with great sadness the loss of Mary Frances DeLorenzo Knight, a dedicated government employee, proud mother, and beloved member of the Reston community; and, be it RESOLVED FURTHER, That the Clerk of the House of Delegates prepare a copy of this resolution for presentation to the family of Mary Frances DeLorenzo Knight as an expression of the General Assembly's respect for her memory. |