Marian I Farling

Marian I. Gosnell Farling, 95, of Martinsburg, WV, went home to be with the Lord on February 23, 2013, surrounded by her loving family. She was born August 3, 1917 to the late Philip and Louise French Gosnell. She was married to the late Charles Farling.

She is survived by her sister, Helen Caldwell of Roslyn, Pennsylvania. She is also survived by her nieces, Deborah Fortney, Dana Clowser, Kim Lord, and two nephews, Mike Lord and H.J. Lord, all of Martinsburg, WV., whom she always thought of and raised as her own children. She is also survived by many other nieces and nephews as well as great-nieces and nephews. She had an especially close relationship to two of her great nieces, Erika South and Jessica Fortney.

Marian was preceded in death by her three brothers, William, James and Dale Gosnell; two sisters, Dottie Jean Gosnell and Florence Lord; one niece, Pam Lord May and great-niece, Jodie May.

She graduated from Hedgesville High School and participated on the women’s basketball team. She then worked at the InterWoven Mill in Martinsburg, WV. She dedicated her entire life to taking care of others, mainly her youngest sister Dottie Jean who attended the Eastern Panhandle Training Center, as well as her mother, who lived a long fulfilling life to the age of 90. She could often be found at the Lord residence, assisting her sister Florence with the home and children. All the neighborhood children looked forward to evenings at the Lord home and the numerous meals she would prepare.

Marian was fondly known as “Minner” to her family. A true matriarch, Minner brought lots of love, laughter and wisdom to all the various family gatherings, especially her infamous caramel cake. She was very quick-witted and never afraid to express her opinion. She always looked forward to the annual beach trips the family would take and she could often be found on the boardwalk enjoying her favorite past-time of people watching with a side of Thrasher’s french fries. Minner was very out-going and always enjoyed the social hour at her residence, Stone Wall Haven.

Upon her request, visitation will be held from 10:00-11:00am at Rosedale Funeral Home on Tuesday, February 26, 2013 with funeral service to follow. Rev. Al Clipp will be officiating.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Berkeley Senior Services of 217 N. High Street, Martinsburg, WV 25404.

Condolences may be sent to www.rosedalefuneral.com.