in loving memory of
Marjorie "Margie" Jean Howard Vlasits
May 1, 1947 – March 3, 2024

Celebration of Life Service
Saturday, April 27, 2:00 p.m.
Barn at Klines Mill
5379 Klines Mill Road, Linville, VA
Reception and sharing followed the service in the barn.
Below is a video recording of the service.

Please share a memory or condolences with the family,
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Memorial Slideshow

Obituary
Marjorie Jeanne Howard Vlasits (Margie), 76, died peacefully, surrounded with love on Sunday, March 3, 2024, at her home in Keezletown, VA, after a 19-year battle with multiple myeloma. She fought hard and surpassed all expectations. Her rest is well earned.

Margie was born May 1, 1947, in Sayre, PA, the second child of Francis William Howard and Mary “Eloise” (Powers) Howard (both deceased). Margie is survived by her siblings: sister, Mary Frances Howard and brothers; Paul Alan Howard (Maggie DiSandro) and William Reid Howard (Stephanie Howard).

Margie graduated from Bradford High School (Bradford, PA) in 1965. She graduated from Mansfield State College in 1970 with a degree in home economics. Mansfield is where she met Guy Vlasits. They married on July 27, 1968 and were married for 55 years. They settled in the southern tier of New York where they raised their three children; Jeanine Marie Underwood (Donnie Underwood), Stacy Guy Vlasits (Jennifer Graber) and Julie Joy Westfall (Michael Westfall) in addition to 11 foster children and innumerable “bonus” children. If someone was hurting or in need of “momming,” Margie was there and ready to embrace them as one of her own.

In 1983, Margie took a job working at HELPLINE, a phone line for people in crisis in Corning, NY. Margie was an active participant in Corning Community Mennonite Fellowship and the Voluntary Service Coordinator for Mennonite Voluntary Service in Corning, NY.

Margie and family moved to Virginia in 1989. Margie worked part time at Choice Books and Mennonite Media. She was an active participant in the Family of Hope House Church.

Margie was an avid gardener, home decorator, seamstress, wallpaper hanger, baker, and cook. She loved travel, exploring, nature, hiking, art, history and music. She was an avid reader and absorber of information. She loved connecting with people of all countries and cultures.

In 2003, Margie opened a bed and breakfast in her home at The Old Massanutten Lodge. She designed and decorated three beautiful rooms and then welcomed people into her dining room to experience her gourmet breakfasts. This was her passion for 14 years and when she sold the Lodge and downsized to the house in the field where she continued to welcome guests into her two Airbnb rooms. Her last gracious guest checked out of the B&B a few days before Margie’s death.

Margie's passion for her grandchildren and her love of gardening were often brought together in tractor rides, digging in the dirt and examining the wonders of the natural world.

Margie (Mimi) is beloved by her grandchildren; Sabrina Sonifrank (Benny James Sonifrank, III “BJ”), Tanner Westfall, Antonia Underwood, Alex Underwood, Martin Vlasits, Sasha M. Vlasits and her great grandson, “Ben” Benny James Sonifrank, IV.

Margie is also survived by numerous beloved nieces and nephews, foster children and chosen family and friends.