Remembering My Mother-in-Law

Today was a long, arduous and exhausting day as we said good bye to the boyfriend's mother.  We had a huge turnout for the visitation and graveside service  Our friends and clients of the boyfriend's salon turned out in force.  Margaret Menser was quite a woman in her typical quiet  and determined way.  She was a strong military spouse, especially when my father-in-law - a retired member of the Army chaplain corps - was stationed overseas leaving her to contend with a group of wild and energetic boys.  But for me, I will always treasure and be grateful for the way she accepted me without blinking an eye into her family and viewed me as yet another of her numerous sons.  May she rest in peace.  Here's her obituary from the Daily Press:

HAMPTON - Margaret S. Menser, age 85, passed away Thursday, Sept. 13, 2012. She was a native of Somerset County, Pa., and most recently had been a Hampton resident for 13 years.

Margaret focused on caring for her family and was a military spouse. She was a loving homemaker. She attended Hampton Baptist Church, was a member of Women's Missions Union, volunteered in a soup kitchen, and attended and participated in Bible study groups. Margaret was also a doll collection and an avid baker.

Margaret is survived by her husband of 62 years, the Rev. Daniel W. Menser Sr.; sons, Craig Lee Menser and wife Neila, Dennis D. Menser and wife Janet, Daniel W. Menser II and wife June, Barry David Menser and partner Michael Hamar, and Michael James Menser; eight grandchildren, nine great-grandchildren; and sister, Ruth Ann Saver Soliday.

The family will receive friends from 1:30 to 2:30 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 16, 2012, at Parklawn-Wood Funeral Home. A graveside service will follow at 3 p.m. at Hampton-Veterans Memorial Gardens.

The family would like to thank the staff of the Jefferson Wing at James River Convalescent and Rehabilitation Center for their loving care and support.

Memorial contributions may be made to Hampton Baptist Church Building Fund, 40 Kings Way, Hampton.  Friends are encouraged to visit www.parklawn-woodfh.com to share memories and words of condolence with the family. Arrangements are under the care of Parklawn-Wood Funeral Home, 2551 N. Armistead Avenue, Hampton, VA 23666.