WASHINGTON — A small parcel of public land in Alexandria, Virginia is going to become a garden, named for one of the city’s prominent citizens whose life was cut short 11 years ago.
The Alexandria City Council has voted unanimously to create the “Nancy Dunning Garden.”
Dunning, 56, a local realtor, was found shot to death in her Alexandria home on Dec. 3, 2003. Her murder shocked her Del Ray neighhorhood where she was well-known and highly respected by her neighbors.
“Nancy was a mother and friend to all of us and even if you were’t actually her close friend you felt like you were her close friend,” says Catherine Brown, an Alexandria resident.
The plot of land is located at 2802 Mount Vernon Avenue at the entranceway to the Del Ray neighborhood.
“The plot is perfect because it’s a welcoming to Del Ray and Del Ray was in her heart and in her soul,” says resident Pat Miller.
Charles Severance, 53, is charged with Dunning’s murder and the murders of two others.
The city council has also voted to name a small park with a playground for Judy Lowe, once known as the first lady of Del Ray who died in 2011.
