Margaret Coyle Marshall Bly

Margaret Coyle Marshall Bly, 93, passed away peacefully at her home in Winchester, Virginia, on April 18, 2015.

She was born on June 19, 1921, in Leetown, the youngest child of Edward Mason and Katherine Gardner Coyle. Her memories of her childhood on Roxley Farm were happy ones, and she would fondly recall riding to her two room schoolhouse in a pony cart with her siblings Douglas, Katherine, Sara and William. Margaret was the last living member of her immediate family.

Margaret graduated from Charles Town High School in 1938 and began working for the U.S. Department of Agriculture Conservation Office, where she met her husband, P. Paxton Marshall, a Shepherdstown orchardist. They married in 1943 and created a loving home for their three sons at Rockdale Farm. Sadly, she was widowed in 1964 at age 43. In 1967, she married W. Merlin Bly and moved to Winchester, where they lived together until his death in 2004.

Margaret was an avid bridge player, forming enduring friendships in bridge clubs over the years. She and her husbands were members of the famous Supper Club of 10 couples who, for over 50 years, met monthly for dinner. She was a lifelong reader, an accomplished gardener, and enjoyed her travels at home and abroad. Throughout her life she was a faithful member of her churches – Leetown Methodist, Kearneysville Presbyterian, and Braddock Street Methodist in Winchester. She knew no prejudices and held strong beliefs of compassion and tolerance. Most of all, she was devoted to her family, and they to her.

Margaret’s memory is cherished by her three sons and their wives, Paxton (Karen), Edward (Sally), and Stephen (Carol); grandchildren, Jenifer Marshall, Jessie Shanholtz, John Marshall and Neal Marshall; two great-grand- children, Phineas Devins and Mable Cotgreave; a stepdaughter, Martha Schmeller (Wolfgang); two step-grandchildren, Rachael Crout and Sara Watts; and by four step-great-grandchildren, Anna and Heather Crout, and Kirsten and Katlyn Polhamus.

The family wishes to thank mother’s devoted caregiver, Carol Basalyga, and her son, Rodney for their loving support.

There will be a visitation for family and friends from 4 to 6 p.m. Friday April 24, at Jones Funeral Home, Winchester, and a graveside service at 1 p.m. Saturday, April 25, at Elmwood Cemetery in Shepherdstown, with the Rev. Anthony Layman officiating.

In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation in Margaret’s name to The Blue Ridge Hospice, 333 W. Cork St., Winchester, VA 22601; Handley Regional Library System, 100 W. Piccadilly St., Winchester, VA 22601; or to a charity of your choice.

Online condolences may be left at www.jonesfuneralhomes.com