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BORN
1923
DIED
2011
Mary Duncan Obituary
Mary was born October 15, 1923, to the late Frederick Rinehart and Marquerite Mason Zwald, of Grand Rapids, Michigan.
She was Walter Marvin Duncan's beloved wife for 66 years.
Mary will be remembered for her deep love and commitment to her husband, children, and grandchildren, each of whom shared a special personal bond with her. She was a woman of great warmth, affection, and loving insight and acceptance for others. There was a very special peacefulness about her that came from caring deeply about others. Her welcoming smile, infectious laughter, and keen sense of humor lifted the spirits of all who knew her.
Since their marriage in 1945, Mary and Walter have been members of First Baptist Church, Front Royal, where Mary served for many years as a Sunday school teacher, financial secretary, and nursery worker. Early in their marriage, Mary worked as secretary and bookkeeper for her husband's construction and surveying businesses. Later she worked for 15 years as a secretary and bookkeeper at Randolph Macon Academy. One of Mary's personal passions that brought her a great deal of pleasure was her work with C-CAP where she served over a 30-year time span as president, treasurer, secretary, and a volunteer assisting community members in need.
In addition to her husband, Mary is survived by four children, Dorothy "Dodie" Duncan Meadows of Lanexa, VA, Mary Lee Duncan (Stephen Patchin) of VA Beach, VA, Walter Marvin Duncan, Jr. (Kristin Malmberg) of Dallas, TX, and Katharine "Kathy" Duncan Ichter (Larry) of Springfield, VA, 11 grandchildren, and 4 great-grandchildren.
Her brothers and their wives, Frederick Kent Zwald (Jane) and Charles R. Zwald (Dorothy) of Grand Rapids, Michigan, preceded her in death.
A memorial service will be held at 11:00 AM on Saturday, November 19, 2011, in the Front Royal First Baptist Church sanctuary. A reception will follow the service at the church.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Front Royal First Baptist Church Memorial Fund, C-CAP of Front Royal/Warren County, or Blue Ridge Hospice.
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Memories and Condolences
for Mary Duncan
December 9, 2011
Walter & family,
Paul and I are so sorry to hear about Mary's passing. You are in our prayers during this diffcult holiday season. We will remember Mary (Walter too!) sitting around the table enjoying many meals with us. The time we had at First Baptist was sweeter because of Mary and her care for us. She would always, "tell it like it was" and then smile one of her smiles. Paul and I think the world of you two Walter. You two will always hold a special placei n our hearts. Walter we love you!
Paul & Josephine Sweet
Ruth Chichester
November 22, 2011
Mary made such a difference in our lives! Even though we have only known her for a few years, I knew she loved us all and deeply cared about our welfare. In tough times, I knew I could come to her for a little help, and she always asked how I was doing. Mary, I will miss you greatly, especially your bright smile and positive attitude! Much love to all the family and may HE continue to watch over you all.
June Huff Brown
November 19, 2011
Your family is in my thoughts and prayers.
Don & Ev Melia
November 19, 2011
Mary Lee, Evelyn and I continue our prayers for you and family. A Mother is so much a part of our lives that such a loss is heart breaking. We both have experienced such a loss. God Bless you and family.
Hilary Cook
November 17, 2011
I was so sad to learn about the passing of Mary. I Didn't know her that well. Since I have moved to front royal they have been great neighbors to me and my family. Walter I know you will miss her very much. Prayers are with you during this time of pain and healing
Hilary cook
November 17, 2011
I am sorry to learn the passing of Mary. Even though I did not know Walter and Mary very long they are great neighbors and she will be greatly missed. my prayers are with Walter and his family during the difficult time and may the healing process start
November 16, 2011
I was so sorry to learn of Mary's death. I knew her from First Baptist Church when I was a kid growing up in Front Royal. She was a dear friend of my Mom, Libby Woody Hildebrand, who resides at The Southerlands. May Mary rest in peace and prayers go out to all of her family. Harriett Woody Liskey
Roberta Hollister Wheeler Terrill
November 16, 2011
I am so very sorry for your loss. I never met her, but found her through research on my family. She was the wife of my second cousin, Walter Duncan. Roberta Hollister Wheeler Terrill
Barbara Greco
November 16, 2011
Thoughts of Mary have always brought a smile to my face. She was such a warm, caring person.
Rozanne Oliver
November 15, 2011
Dear Walter and family, What a great loss to you and the whole community. I can't think of visits to Front Royal with Mom and Dad, without thinking of you all. Love,
November 14, 2011
Walter, I know you will miss her more than words can say, as all of us will miss her wonderful smile and kind words.
With deepest sympathy to you in your loss.
Peg Goodyear
Kelli Hart
November 14, 2011
Mary always brightened my day with her laughter and wonderful conversation. She was a joy to be near and I will miss her. Peace to her and heartfelt condolences to Walter, her gracious groom for life.
Carolyn (Moseley) Majors
November 14, 2011
I have known Mrs. Duncan both from First Baptist and in the neighborhood for years. She is remembered for her kindness and smile, and her love of Mr. Duncan as well as everyone she ever met. I have seen them walk past my house holding hands. They would laugh and say they were 'holding each other up'. May God bless you, Mr. Duncan and your family, as He guides Mrs. Duncan into eternal rest.
Julian Moore
November 14, 2011
I remember Mrs. Duncan as a wonderful neighborhood mom when I was growing up. She was always looking out for me when I was around her home - keeping me from harm and out of trouble.
David Patchin
November 14, 2011
"She will be missed. We really only got to see here around the holidays and birthdays but was always so cherfull and loving. She brought the joy of the holidays and family in all of us"
Tom Conkey
November 14, 2011
We hardly knew Mary, but since I have been on the Town Council, both Kathy and I have come to know and respect Walter as a dear friend. Our hearts and prayers go to him and his family in this time of their great loss. We both know how much Mary will be missed.
The angels in Heaven are certainly happy to have Mary in their midst.
November 14, 2011
Mary had an infectious smile and heart.
We always referred to her as Walter's Bride because she was truly that.
We will miss her so much.
Mike and Mary Ellen South
Steve Patchin
November 14, 2011
Mary Sr. was my favorite mother in law and I will miss her very much. She did her best to make the world around her a better place. She raised three daughters of which I was lucky enough to marry her namesake Mary Jr. Surely she is in heaven now with God and looking down with him on all of us. May she now rest in peace forever more.
Kristen Johnson
November 14, 2011
Mary and Walter have always been part of my 'Front Royal extended family'. They were the closest of friends to my grandparents, Jack (deceased) and Helen English, and shared many trips and stories together. Mary will always hold a very special place in my heart, as does Walter...May God bless you (all) and keep you. -
Jeanne Reinelt
November 13, 2011
We had the privilege to know Mary and spend a few very happy times over the years with her and Walter, Sr. at Kristin and Walter's house, our home, and Emily's wedding to Justin. She was a person who emanated love and grace. There was a very special peacefulness about her that came from caring deeply about others. She also had a wide smile and liked to chuckle about things. It brings a smile to my face just thinking about being around her. She will be sorely missed. Sending prayers for Kristin, Walter, the whole family, and especially Walter Sr. with love, Jeanne and Doug Reinelt
Fran Jackson
November 13, 2011
Kristin and Walter, we are surrounding you and all the family with love and prayers, rejoicing that Mary is released from her compromised condition. She'll attend Tom's wedding from above! Fran and Don Jackson
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