Marian McNary Chalfant

Marian McNary Chalfant, 97, devoted wife, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother, passed away Saturday, February 25, 2023. She lived in McMurray for much of her adult life, moving to Dayton, Ohio in 1990.

Marian is survived by daughter, Dr. Virginia C. Wood of Dayton; her grandsons, Christopher (Lauren) and Daniel Wood; and great-granddaughters, Madison and Emiko Wood; her son-in-law, Norman Luxemburg; and several nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Robert and Garnet Myers McNary; husband, William; sister, Doris Stewart; and daughter, Marilyn.

Marian was born in Washington, the second of two children growing up on a small farm.

She graduated from Trinity High School in Washington, then completed her B.S. in Music Education at Westminster College in New Wilmington.

Marian was one of the first United Presbyterian Caravaners in 1947 and sang in many church choirs, often as soloist, for over 50 years. She was a song leader at the New Wilmington Missionary Conferences and United Presbyterian National Conventions.

She worked as an elementary music teacher for 30 years, 18 of those in the Washington School District in Pennsylvania. She also taught at Ellsworth High School, Wampum High School, and Somerset Township Schools in Pennsylvania. She played violin in various orchestras and inspired many beginning string students.

She was a member of Center Presbyterian Church, then Peters Creek Presbyterian Church in McMurray. After moving to Ohio, she joined Sugar Creek Presbyterian Church, where she was a member of the Naomi Circle and served as an ordained elder and deacon.

Marian dedicated many hours to volunteer work at St. Clair Hospital in Pittsburgh and Miami Valley Hospital in Dayton.

In her later years, residing at Fairmont of Washington Township, she enjoyed reading, coloring, and spending time with family.

As Marian requested, there will be no funeral service, but rather a private family celebration of her life.

Memorial contributions may be made to Sugar Creek Presbyterian Church in Kettering, Ohio or to the Dayton Performing Arts Alliance education programs.