Dina Coutu

On September 18, 2019 the unthinkable happened—our beautiful friend and co-worker Dina Coutu lost her partner and father of their two-month old daughter in a tragic automobile accident. We know life is hard and bad things happen to good people all the time, but Andy’s unexpected death is made even more inexplicable because he was also a young father. Dina is heartbroken and we grieve with her.

Despite this tragedy, we know that amazing peace, healing, and strength are found when a community pulls together to lift up and offer hope to one of our own. Thoughts, love, and prayers are needed and appreciated, but this fundraiser also seeks to help Dina and her two daughters by easing the financial burden of being a sudden single mother. All proceeds of this fund will be given to Dina for basic living expenses such as utilities, food, medical care, etc.

Some of you know Dina just by her glorious hair and take-charge personality. You’ve probably seen her at the local library studying her graduate coursework or browsing the stacks with her daughters. She’s the book lady here at Chapters—or the wine lady if she happens to be helping out at The Wine Cellar. Maybe you’ve seen her at The Conservatory of Dance & Theatre or at Felts Park cheering for her kids and their teammates playing recreational ball. You might even have passed her in the hallway of the elementary school. She’s an avid reader, animal lover, and nature enthusiast—more often than not fishing or kayaking on New River.

Dina is all of us—a daughter, mother, friend, co-worker, student, volunteer, citizen.

We all know that grief is overwhelming. Motherhood is overwhelming. And death is devastating. Please consider a donation of any amount to help ease some of the anxiety, stress, and financial obligations now resting solely on Dina’s shoulders. Let’s not just tell Dina how much we love her and her daughters, let’s show her as well.