Margaret McLaughlin Grove

Margaret Price McLaughlin Grove was born on August 26, 1930, in Bristol, Virginia and died January 12, 2025, in Charlottesville, Virginia surrounded by loved ones. She was the daughter of the late Fanny McCaa and John C. B. McLaughlin, and the wife of the late James Weldon Grove. Margaret and Jim were married in Charlottesville in 1954 and returned to live there in 1956. Devoted members of Westminster Presbyterian Church, they were active in many community organizations. They were founding members and served on the boards of the National Alliance of Mental Illness-Blue Ridge Family Alliance and Friends of Blue Ridge House. Margaret was a proud graduate of Mary Baldwin College. She was on the college's administrative staff for two years and served several terms on the Alumnae Board. Most recently her alma mater gave her its Kelly Leadership Award, which recognizes alumni who have demonstrated outstanding service and leadership to the university. She worked in several administrative capacities for more than 20 years at St. Anne's-Belfield School, where she was given the Headmaster's Award as well as the Alumni Service Award. She was a member of the Charlottesville Garden Club, Contemporary Club of Albemarle, Junior League and The Center. Serving as a docent at the Bayly Art Museum (now Fralin), she took an active part in local arts and music events. Margaret loved her family and friends in a way that made each person feel special. Her effervescent charm, fun-loving spirit, and inability to be a stranger to anyone she met, brought people of all ages together. She met challenges with grace, humor, and backbone. Margaret was an inspiration to all who knew her. Margaret is survived by her son, John McLaughlin Grove; and his wife, Katharine Saunders Grove, of Needham, Massachusetts; and their children Anna and Charles Bateman. She is also survived by special "daughters," Lindsay Mead Lowdon, Jenny Mead, and Chris Shaw, several nieces, nephews, many cousins, and dear friends. She was preceded in death by her beloved husband James Weldon Grove, her precious daughter, Mary-Moore Grove; an infant son; her devoted sister Addie-Noble Ours; her husband George; and her much-loved brother William Lowndes McLaughlin and his wife Nancy. Her family is grateful to The Colonnades, where she had a happy home for the last seven years, and the Hospice of the Piedmont. Details on a memorial service will be forthcoming. Interment will be private in the memorial garden at her church. Hill & Wood is managing funeral arrangements. In lieu of flowers, those who wish may consider a donation to the Botanical Garden of the Piedmont or to a charity of your choice.