Lill Prosperino Obituary-Death News; Lillian Dana Prosperino, Member of Virginia Harm Reduction Passed Away
It is with heavy hearts and profound sorrow that we remember and honor our dear friend, Lill Prosperino, who passed away on June 19, 2025. Lill was not only a cherished member of our community but also a foundational figure in the early days of the Virginia Harm Reduction Coalition (VHRC).
Their commitment to care, compassion, and equity has left a permanent imprint on our work and on the lives of countless individuals across Appalachia and beyond. Lill was a constant and grounding presence during the formative years of VHRC.
Whether they were guiding Lawson Koeppel and Alina Lemire through the hollers of West Virginia, packing harm reduction kits in our office behind the Ramada, or making the long drives to deliver life-saving supplies, Lill approached every task with quiet determination and purpose.
They believed deeply in meeting people where they were, both geographically and emotionally, and they modeled that belief in every action, big or small. Perhaps one of the most memorable images of Lill is them standing with a warm smile, handing out home-brewed herbal salves to participants and staff alike—small, healing gifts that embodied their nurturing spirit and connection to the land.
Those moments of care, rooted in both tradition and science, revealed just how much Lill’s work was about more than logistics or policy. It was about healing, connection, and building something sustainable from love.
Lill embodied a powerful presence. Their presence commanded attention—not because they sought it, but because their wisdom and clarity rang true. They were an educator and mentor, generously sharing their knowledge as a subject matter expert with the National Harm Reduction Technical Assistance Center at the CDC and as a staff member at the National Harm Reduction Coalition.
Lill trained others with grace and precision, always centering the needs of the most vulnerable. Their legacy lives on in the many communities that now operate with deeper compassion and understanding because of Lill’s influence.
Beyond their professional accomplishments, Lill was an extraordinary friend. They embodied the values of solidarity, mutual aid, and community in everything they did.
They stood beside us through hard times and victories alike, never asking for recognition, always lifting others up. Lill’s authenticity and warmth were unmatched. They made people feel seen, heard, and valued—and that, perhaps, is their greatest gift of all.
We owe so much to Lill. Their life’s work helped shape this movement and saved lives, and their memory remains an inspiration for us to do better, be better, and love harder. It is difficult to put into words how much their presence meant to us, and how deeply their absence is felt.
We are forever grateful for the time we had with them. Rest in power, Lill. Your spirit lives on in every kit packed, every life saved, and every act of compassion carried forward in your name.
