Marie B. Canterbury

Marie B. Canterbury, "Mingie", 94, died Saturday, January 28, 2012 after a full life of love and service to her family and the Lord. Born on June 28, 1917 in Walgrove, West Virginia, she lived most of her childhood in Clendenin, West Virginia. She married her husband of 40 years, James H. Canterbury, in 1936 and they moved to Arlington, Virginia in 1944. In 1964, after many years as a homemaker and Sunday School teacher, she began her professional career in Records Management with the DIA and GAO. Upon her retirement from the government at age 67, she devoted her time to her family and began what would be a 23 year passion for genealogical research and writing. Marie published three books of family history, "Grandmother's Letter" Volumes 1, 2 and 3. Marie became a Christian at a young age and daily lived her faith. Christ was her strength and hope and she exemplified His love through her own. She radiated joy, and with an ever present smile she unselfishly gave her best to all those she encountered and to all that she did. She considered each day a gift and an opportunity to learn, care, serve and love. She was an inspiration to those around her and brightened the world by being in it. She will be greatly missed. Marie's greatest earthly treasure was her family. She was preceeded in death by her devoted husband, James H. Canterbury, beloved sisters, Violet Bowen Hugh and Madge Matheny, and brother Franklin Bowen. She is survived by her two daughters and two sons-in-law, Jane (Canterbury) and James W. Hjelm, and June (Canterbury) and Paul Lo Monaco; four grandchildren and their spouses, Kristin (Hjelm) and Greg Cooper, Kevin and Rebecca (Toni) Hjelm, Jay and Katie (Hanrahan) Lo Monaco, Tim and Sheila (Da Silva) Lo Monaco; and seven great-grandchildren, Julian, Avery and Daniel Lo Monaco, David and Emma Cooper, William Hjelm and Ana Carolina Lo Monaco; brother-in-law, Jack M. Matheny; nephew, Dr. Jack M. Matheny, II; niece, Keith Ann Smith and their families. Friends May Call to Murphy Funeral Home, 4510 Wilson Blvd, Arlington, VA from 6 to 8 p.m. on Friday February 3. Funeral Services will be held at Cherrydale Baptist Church, 3910 Lorcom Lane, Arlington, VA 22207 at 10 a.m. on Saturday, February 4, with interment to follow in National Memorial Park.