In 1966, when Virginia turned sixty years old—the CIA’s mandatory retirement age at the time—she left the Agency. She was also suffering from a number of medical issues. Virginia spent her retirement years living with Paul at their home in Barnesville, Maryland.

In retirement, Virginia continued to enjoy gardening; her standard poodles; making cheese; weaving her own cloth on a handloom; solving crossword puzzles; and reading history, spy stories, and travel books from her library.

Virginia (left) with unknown woman in 1972.

Virginia’s health declined over the years, and she died on July 8, 1982. She was seventy-six years old. The Baltimore Sun newspaper did not report the cause of her death but noted of her funeral, “With simple services that contrasted to the drama of her World War II career, a Baltimore school girl who became the French underground’s ‘limping lady’ was buried at Druid Ridge Cemetery in Pikesville, Maryland.” She was laid to rest along with other members of the Hall family. Her husband, Paul, joined her there several years later when he died on April 2, 1987.

Virginia in a barn with animals.

In 1943, Virginia had been made an official Member of the Order of the British Empire for her wartime service. But at the time, British officials were unable to locate Virginia to bestow upon her the prestigious Royal Warrant, signed by King George VI and his mother, Queen Mary, who was the Grand Master of the Order. This was rectified sixty-three years later in December 2006 at a ceremony in Washington, DC, where both the British and French governments paid tribute to Virginia Hall.

At the home of the French ambassador to the United States in Washington, DC, the British ambassador presented the Royal Warrant to Lorna Catling on behalf of her aunt. The French ambassador read a letter from French president Jacques Chirac, characterizing Virginia as “a true hero of the French Resistance” and paying tribute to her “indomitable bravery, her exceptional selflessness,” and calling her a “leader and organizer [who] contributed greatly to the Liberation of France.” At the ceremony, a painting was unveiled depicting Virginia radioing London from a barn near Le Chambon-sur-Lignon, in occupied France during World War II, requesting supplies and personnel. The painting is now prominently displayed at CIA Headquarters in Langley, Virginia.

Virginia’s Member of the Order of the British Empire medal (left) and King George’s royal signature (right).

Virginia never sought publicity for her World War II exploits, but as the years passed, historians sought her out to learn more about her extraordinary story. She might have been surprised, and even uncomfortable, to know that her obituary would be published in the New York Times. She became an icon, not only for women and people with disabilities, but for those who are fascinated by espionage and stories of heroism during one of the darkest periods in world history.

Like many unsung heroes, Virginia Hall stood up and risked everything to defend liberty. A free and democratic France is part of her enduring legacy.