Marian Martin Cather

Marian Martin Cather, 101, of Winchester, VA, died Friday, August 12, 2016 at Shenandoah Valley Westminster-Canterbury, where she resided.

Mrs. Cather was born January 25, 1915 in Millwood, VA, the daughter of H. John and Ethel Martin. She was married to the late Douglas Alexander Cather and is survived by her son Douglas Alexander Cather, Jr. (Ann) and her daughter Lloyd Cather Dickson (David), both of Midlothian, VA, as well as 4 grandchildren and 8 great-grandchildren.

She graduated from Mary Baldwin College with a BA in English in 1935 and taught 6th grade in White Post, VA, but was best known for her love of gardening and flower arranging. A member of First Baptist Church, she served on the Altar Flowers Committee and also was a Charter and Life Member of the Lord Fairfax Garden Club, serving as treasurer, secretary and historian. She was a member of the Virginia State Horticultural Society Women’s Auxiliary, serving on the Apple Blossom Ladies’ Luncheon Committee for many years, and an Honorary Life Member of the American Association of University Women.

Mrs. Cather moved to Westminster-Canterbury in 1999, joining most of the members of her bridge group, who had played together for more than 50 years. She enjoyed spending time with her family, playing games with her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. She credited her longevity to her love of fresh fruits and vegetables and frequent walks. An avid reader, she also collected antiques and traveled with her husband up and down the Shenandoah Valley to country auctions, enjoying the beauty of the farms, orchards, mountains and rivers in all seasons.

A private family graveside service will be held on Saturday, August 20th at Mount Hebron Cemetery.

The family would like to express their appreciation to the staff of Shenandoah Valley Westminster-Canterbury for their loving care of Mrs. Cather.

Memorials may be made to the Shenandoah Valley Westminster-Canterbury Employee Emergency Fund, 300 Westminster-Canterbury Drive, Winchester, VA 22603.

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