Margaret Easby-Smith Veihmeyer

Margaret Easby-Smith Veihmeyer died peacefully at home on October 21, 2022, surrounded by loved ones, shortly after celebrating her 102nd birthday. She was “Marg”, “Mom”, “Nana”, “Great-Nana”…..a mother, grandmother, and great grandmother who was cherished by friends and family and admired by all for being an inspiring example of how to live a life focused on providing for the needs of others.

Margaret was a fourth generation Washingtonian and met her husband of 64 years, Ned Veihmeyer, in first grade at St. Gabriel’s Catholic Elementary School in Washington, DC. Together they raised a family of 6 children, 12 grandchildren, and 11 great-grandchildren, and showered them with unconditional love, encouragement and understanding. She was the beloved family matriarch who lived every day with kindness and generosity, with sharp wit, a glorious smile, and good humor thrown in just for fun!

Born to Paul and Catherine Easby-Smith, Margaret was the valedictorian of her graduating class at St. Paul’s High School, Washington, DC. Prior to her marriage, she worked for several organizations as a secretary, followed by 20 years at NIH as a secretary in what is now known as the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute. As a mother, she instilled in her children the importance of their Catholic faith and was devoted throughout her life to the faith example of the Blessed Virgin Mary and Saint Elizabeth Ann Seton. Her commitment to her growing family was paramount and no matter her age or health, she never missed a Baptism, First Communion, Confirmation, graduation, or wedding. She was up for everything and happy to share her enthusiasm for life with her family and friends alike.

In her later years, Marg attended Our Lady of Grace Church at Leisure World and enjoyed the friendship of many Leisure World residents. Her weekly bridge club and rosary group brought her great happiness and she treasured the friendships that resulted from those warm and friendly get-togethers.

Above all, Marg was a woman of great strength and optimism. She believed strongly in education and advocated for self-reliance, integrity, and independence. She encouraged her children and grandchildren to believe in themselves, be confident in their God-given gifts, and when all else fails, to “just say a prayer”. In the face of declining health, she never complained and looked forward to everyday as another opportunity to thank God for the blessings in her life.

Margaret was predeceased by her husband Ned, daughter Therese McPherson, and son-in-law, John Hughes. She is survived by her children, Cathy Hughes, Peggy Malone (Ray), Mary Pat Veihmeyer, John Veihmeyer (Beth), Nancy Guza (David) and son-in-law, Dr. Lon McPherson.

Her grandchildren are Kristen Hughes (Bryan), Jeff Hughes (Dr. Savannah Stokes), Tara Kearney (George), Bridget Monahan (Kevin), Patrick Veihmeyer, Eileen Spillane (Maurice), Matt Guza, Michael Guza, Mark Guza, Aubrey McPherson, Cameron McPherson (Natasha), and Hattie McPherson.

Her great grandchildren are Clayton and Isla Hughes, Caitlin Tomlinson, JT Frye, Liam, Kane, Anne and Mary Kearney, Nora and Jack Monahan, and Aleksandra McPherson.

A mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 11:00am on Tuesday, October 25, 2022 at Our Lady of Mercy Church, 9200 Kentsdale Road, Potomac, MD, preceded by a visitation beginning at 10:00am. In lieu of flowers contributions may be made in her name to Catholic Charities of the Archdiocese of Washington, DC and to the Children’s National Hospital, Washington, DC.