Mary Macallum Brewer Cruser

Mary M.B. Cruser VIRGINIA BEACH - Mary Macallum Brewer Cruser died on Sept. 2, 2008. She was born in Dixon, Ill., Nov. 24, 1918, to the late Robert Malcom Brewer and Bertha Rose Scheffler Brewer and was also predeceased by three sisters, Margaret B. Silver (Hayden), Julia B. Ferrell (Arthur) and Ruth Brewer. The family moved to Stafford County, Virginia, where she grew up on Little Falls Farm. She graduated from Falmouth High School and Mary Washington College. After teaching briefly, she worked as a secretary until her son was born in 1955 when she became a full-time caring and patient wife and mother. She is survived by her husband of 65 years, Melvin E. Cruser Jr.; son, Melvin E. Cruser III, DDS and wife Sara Snipes Cruser; two grandchildren, Wade Selden Cruser and Jennifer Lee Cruser, all of Virginia Beach; brother, Robert M. Brewer Jr. (Donna); three nephews, Robert O. Ferrell (Alice), Hayden J. Silver Jr. (Ann) and Robert M. Brewer III (Diana); niece, Beth Brewer Holderman (Rick) and their families. She was patient, intelligent, quiet, loving and enjoyed reading and gardening. The family is very grateful for her wonderful caregivers, Carole Haymond, Cynthia Gilman and Curlean Fentress. Family and friends are invited to a visitation at the home of her son, Melvin E. Cruser III, today from 7 to 9 p.m. and a memorial service at Galilee Episcopal Church, Virginia Beach, Friday at 2 p.m. with a reception to follow. It is suggested that anyone wishing to honor her memory with a gift do so to Galilee Church or to a cause of their own choosing. Cremation & Funeral Services of Tidewater is handling arrangements. www.candfservices.com.