Mary Margaret Marston Monroe, 75, of Blacksburg, passed away peacefully on Sunday, Feb. 6, 2022.
Born July 8, 1946, she was the daughter of the late Ralph George Marston and Hester Vivian Fergurson Marston. She was preceded in death by her parents, a sister, Suzanne Marston Borck, a brother, Dr. Ralph Scott Marston, and her husband, Richard Walter Monroe.
Mary was raised in Takoma Park, Md., and she is a graduate of W.T. Woodson High School (1964) and the University of Mary Washington (1968). In high school she was active in the school choir and was a cheerleader. In college, Mary earned a bachelor’s degree in education and subsequently taught elementary school in Stafford and Fairfax counties.
She married Richard Walter Monroe in 1971 and accompanied him through numerous career locations in six different states. Richard and Mary were happily married for 51 years. She enjoyed being involved with her children’s school activities, volunteering in their classrooms, and teaching part-time and full-time in several school systems. She also taught preschool for a number of years.
As a member of Blacksburg United Methodist Church, Mary served on the church visitation committee, calling on members in their homes and assisted-living facilities. She also helped lead a weekly balance and strength class.
Mary took great pride in her home and family. She treasured family gatherings and loved to entertain. She had a remarkable gift for remembering every family birthday, always taking time to send a card to her many grandchildren, nieces, and nephews as well as other friends and family.
She loved crafting of all kinds, especially making Christmas decorations as gifts to others. She treasured her Christian family heritage and worked to organize and document it for generations to follow.
She is survived by her children, Jennifer Monroe Holliday and Spencer Grant Monroe; a on-in-law, Todd Holliday, and a daughter-in-law, Kelli Simpson Monroe; grandchildren Grant Monroe Holliday, Samuel Ayers Holliday, and Keeton Elizabeth Monroe; a brother-in-law, Jonathan Searle Monroe; a cousin, Elizabeth Brand Monroe; sisters-in-law Rosa Crocker Monroe and Deborah Cahoon Monroe; nephews James Lord Borck and Owen Searle Monroe; nieces Kimberly Borck Pollard, Amity Borck Dey, Frances Tucker Monroe, Megan Monroe Guerrero, Meredith Monroe Rodriguez, and 21 great-nieces and great-nephews.
The family is grateful for the love and support from family, friends, and many medical professionals. A memorial service will be held in Mary’s honor on March 7, 2022, at 2:30 p.m., preceded by a visitation at 2 p.m. at Blacksburg United Methodist Church. The family requests that those attending kindly wear a mask.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to Blacksburg United Methodist Church, P.O. Box 931, Blacksburg, VA 24063.
Arrangements are in the care of McCoy Funeral Home, Inc., 150 Country Club Drive SW, Blacksburg, VA 24060; (540)-552-3211. Online condolences can be shared at www.mccoyfuneralhome.com.
