Mary Virginia Illig Dye

Mary Virginia Illig Dye, known as MV, a resident of Bethesda, Maryland for over five decades, passed away peacefully on the evening of August 26, 2024 surrounded by her family. She was vibrant, engaged and enjoyed precious time with her husband, children, grandchildren, siblings and friends. Her life was joyful, filled with love and her many passions.

MV was born to the late Mary Rita Cleary, and William F. Illig of Erie, Pennsylvania on September 24, 1940. She was an adored sister to siblings, William P. Illig, Denise Robison Mullen, James F. Illig, Joseph J. Illig.

She graduated from Mercyhurst Preparatory School in Erie, PA in 1958 and attended Manhattanville College of the Sacred Heart for two years. She then transferred to The Rhode Island School of Design where she received a Bachelor of Arts in Design in 1963. After graduation, she moved to New York City to work with the Art Director at Norcross Greeting Cards.

In Washington, she was a recognized and respected expert in the decorative arts as an artist, teacher and creative entrepreneur establishing her decorative painting business, MVI Designs, providing elegant faux finishes and hand painted furniture. She was co-founder of the boutique design enterprise Buckles and Bows and her famous gingerbread houses, ornaments, bows, wreaths and countless creative gifts.

MV married Stuart Dye in 1966 in Erie, PA and moved to Charlottesville, Virginia where he finished his law degree at the University of Virginia School of Law. After graduation, they settled in Bethesda, Maryland where they raised their family of three children: Stuart Stephan, Geoffrey Gower, and Mary Cleary (Missy) Dye. She was a devoted, loving mother and fun, doting grandmother, known as “ to her five grandchildren.

She was a dedicated member of the volunteer community in the Washington area and at her childrens schools and Catholic churches. In her earlier years, she was a prominent member of the Junior League of Washington, chairing the first annual Christmas Shop, an active member of Sulgrave Club and Chevy Chase Club and celebrated member of the Perennial Garden Club. Friends and family knew her as tiny but mighty, her passion, creativity and talents were admired and highlighted through her personal and professional endeavors.

Throughout her life, MV exuded loving, spry and joyful energy and shared her beautiful smile and spirit with everyone she met. She was a thoughtful hostess, filling her homes, both in Bethesda and at the family cottage on Lake Erie, with family, friends, food and laughter. Her strong spiritual life as a devout Catholic was the pillar of her strength. She was a cherished confidant, collecting friends and fans throughout her life.

MV is survived by her devoted husband of 58 years, Stuart, and their three children: Stuart Dye of Falmouth ME (m. Janet Dye), Geoffrey Dye of Washington, DC (m. Dori Kreiger), and Missy Dye of Rowayton, CT. Her five grandchildren Meghan, Joseph, Shannon Dye and Charlotte and Henry Radin. She is also survived by her sister Denise Robison Mullen (m. Butch Mullen) and brothers James J. Illig (m.Larry Dotz) and Joseph J. Illig (m. Joyce Illig), ten nieces and nephews, fifteen grand-nieces and nephews.

Private services will be held at St. Ann Catholic Church in Washington, DC by Monsignor Watkins. Her life will be celebrated with family and friends at the Chevy Chase Club in Chevy Chase, MD.