FRANKFORT, Ky. — Beloved Kentuckian and sign language interpreter Virginia Moore died on Saturday.
Kentucky Governor Andy Beshear shared the heartbreaking news on Twitter on Sunday, recounting what an amazing person she was.
"Virginia Moore, the Kentuckian who taught us all the importance of leading with love and inclusion, passed away yesterday," Beshear said in a tweet.
Beshear and Moore addressed Kentucky sometimes every day with "Team Kentucky" updates during the height of the pandemic.
Moore was a nationally certified interpreter who spent more than 25 years with the Kentucky Commission on the Deaf and the Hard of Hearing.
She grew up one of the few hearing members of her family.
A passion for increasing accessibility for the deaf and hard of hearing led her to the Commission, where she served as executive director.
"She was very passionate and I think that showed and I think that might be why the citizens of Kentucky just latched on to her," Anita Dowd, executive staff advisor for KCDHH said.
Moore worked for years to bridge barriers, advocating for things like hearing tests and captioning in movies.
Colleagues said education for deaf and hard of hearing children, especially from a young age, was her ultimate driver.
"Once there is access, there is no disability," Dowd said. "So that was the one thing we were passionate about and we kept each other fired up about."
Amy Hatzel, board chair for KCDHH described Moore as genuine, passionate and vibrant.
"If she thought something was funny her laugh was contagious and I'll miss that," Hatzel said.
Hatzel said Moore's legacy can be seen in her carefully selected team at KCDHH, who continue her work with just as much passion.
She added Moore's efforts made Kentucky a role model for other states working to be more accessible.
"She was nearing retirement years but she said 'before I leave here I've got to do something with education,' and she didn't quite make it, but that doesn't mean it isn't going to happen," Hatzel said. "Her heart was as big as this Commonwealth, it was just huge."
Throughout the pandemic, Dr. Steven Stack, Kentucky's commissioner for public health, frequently worked with Moore at Team Kentucky briefings.
He commended Moore on her dedication to providing information, calling her a hero.
"We were part of your families for that moment in time. I think people will remember Virginia as I will," Stack said. "As a kind-hearted, caring, devoted, hard working and passionate warrior in support of people in Kentucky."
In October 2020, Virginia Moore announced during a public briefing that she was diagnosed with stage one uterine cancer.
She used her platform to tell others not to forget to take care of themselves and pay attention to their own health, even during a pandemic.
Later that same month, Moore announced she was cancer-free but would need to be monitored for the next five years.
"Virginia was a rock of stability and grace during the pandemic. She helped bring us all together in our most challenging times, so I hope you’ll join Britainy and me today in praying for all who loved her," Beshear said.
She was honored for her dedication to the Deaf and Hard of Hearing community in Kentucky in 2021. The Award was given to its namesake by the Kentucky Educators for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing.
"I will miss her greatly, but as Virginia would remind us in our grief: We will get through this; we will get through this together," Beshear said.
The KCDHH said memorial services for Moore have not yet been announced.
Memorial donations can be made in her name to KSD Jacob's Hall Museum or the Knowledge Center on Deafness.
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