Marie Inez Zagorny

Marie Inez Zagorny, 94yo, died peacefully with loved ones at her side on the evening of Friday June 26th at Senior Care of Goldsboro. Born Sept 30, 1920 in rural Fluvanna County near Kents Store, VA, Marie had a fabulously dynamic life. As a child, she and her sister Mabel took breaks from farm life to put on plays using crates for stages and sheets for curtains, and sold homemade ice cream for 5 cents a cone at the baseball games held on several acres of their 100-acre farm. She excelled in school; enjoyed Drama Club, Tap Dancing, Newspaper Club and athletics; and was a natural leader in all that she did. Baptized by immersion in a creek on her uncle’s farm, she was raised to have a deep devotion to the Lord, and carried that faith with her throughout her life. Proud of newfound independence, Marie left ‘country life’ at age 20 to live in Washington, DC where she worked for the War Production Board until the end of WWII. She had a 37-year career in the Department of Agriculture, including a Presidential Appointment approved by President John Kennedy, assigning her as Secretary to the Assistant Secretary of Agriculture—a position she held for 17 years. She grew to love the City, fostered countless friendships, and enjoyed attending nightclubs booming with the sounds of the 40’s and 50’s. She was a beautiful Christian woman, warm and vivacious with an infectious smile, a tremendous sense of humor, an intelligent mind, and a magical charm—she certainly captured the hearts of many. Marie met her husband John in DC once he completed his service in the Navy and moved into the apartment next door—they began to meet in front of the White House daily, and married at beautiful St. Patrick’s Cathedral. Their son Alan kept them busy and smiling for years to come! Marie retired from the Federal Gov’t and worked 14 more years at Sun Trust Bank. She enjoyed entertaining friends and family at dinner parties, and she was well known by all for her delicious baked goods, often gifted in recycled cookie tins. Family was always important to her, and she kept in touch with all that she could over the years. Marie is predeceased by her husband John Zagorny, mother “Lizzie” Diggs, father Ora Cosner, Sister Mabel Parrish, and half-brothers Earl Johnson, Clarence Cosner and Paul Cosner. She is survived by her son Alan Zagorny; grandchildren Crystal, Daniel, Justin, Jessica, and Jennifer; great-grandchildren Abry and Maizson; and many beloved nieces, nephews, and cousins. A memorial service will be held to celebrate Marie’s life on Monday August 10th at 12 noon at St. Paul’s United Methodist Church in Greensboro, MD. Come at 11am to visit with friends and family, and stay afterward for food and fellowship. Messages can be posted online at www.fleegleandhelfenbein.com

Marie Inez Zagorny

September 30, 1920 - June 26, 2015