Muriel S. Maginniss' Obituary
MURIEL STARBECKER MAGINNISS
Muriel Starbecker Maginniss, 93, a Northern Virginia resident since 1960, passed away peacefully February 16, 2022 in Leesburg.
Mrs. Maginniss was born and raised in New York City, studying at city public schools and working at Macy’s as a teenager. She began university studies at New York University and graduated from Otterbein College in 1950. Upon graduation, she began her career with the Girl Scouts, traveling the country supporting national retail programs and promotions.
In 1958 she joined the US Air Force and was a member of the first class of women officers and was stationed in Colorado Springs, Paris and Washington DC. Upon returning from overseas, she settled in Northern Virginia and married Howard Maginniss in 1964. She was a devoted and loving wife and mother while also working for the Kuwait Embassy to the United States for the next 31 years until her retirement.
Upon retirement she devoted her time to family in her new role as a loving grandmother. She moved from Arlington to Leesburg in order to immerse herself in the day-to-day activities of her beloved daughter, son-in-law and grandchildren over the final 27 years of her life. Her days filled with dance competitions, sporting activities, school events, family trips and milestones kept her smiling, sharp and full of joy. Her final few years were spent under the loving care of the Poet’s Walk team while enjoying daily visits with her family.
Survivors include her beloved daughter Vicki Maginniss Buttarazzi of Leesburg, her son Lee Maginniss of Texas, and her grandchildren.
A family service will be held at Columbia Gardens Cemetery in Arlington.
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