Mary Frances Binda, wife of Dr. Robert L. Binda Sr. (Bob), died on Wednesday, Oct. 12, 2011, at her residence in New Hope, Va., surrounded by her family.
She was the last baby born in Newport News on Dec. 31, 1937, to Lawrence Francis Cassidy and Gertrude Oliver Cassidy, both deceased.
She and Bob lived in Germany for 3½ years and then moved to Waynesboro in 1964. They moved to a farm in New Hope in 1968, and Mary Frances lived there for the rest of her life.
She married Bob Binda, a freshman dental student at the time, on Jan. 2, 1956, and they had been married for almost 56 years.He survives her. Also surviving is her son, Dr. Robert L. Binda Jr. (Bobby), his wife, Amy; her daughter, Sandra Lee (Binda) Rest (Sandi), her husband, Greg; four grandchildren, Caitlin and Rachel Binda, and Julia and Michael Rest; and a very dear friend of the family, Dale Cook. Also remaining is her precious dog, Sophie, a constant companion.
Mrs. Binda received her Bachelor of Science Degree from James Madison University and her Master of Public Administration from the University of Virginia. She was a professor at James Madison University for 15 years.
Bob and Mary Frances liked to travel and had been many places around the world. They also were ardent University of North Carolina fans and made the trip to Chapel Hill often to attend the football, basketball, and baseball games. Mary Frances also loved playing the piano. She had played since she was six years old and had been the pianist of her current church, Mount Horeb Presbyterian Church, for over 36 years. She also was an Elder at the church, a Sunday school teacher, and a senior high leader.
Other interests were her flower gardens, birds, autobiographies, biographies, and swimming. She had great interest, too, in the children of the world and in the treatment of animals.
The family greeted friends on Sunday, Oct. 16, 2011, at McDow Funeral Home in Waynesboro from 4- 6 p.m. There was a celebration of life service at Mount Horeb Presbyterian Church at 2 p.m.on Monday, Oct. 17, 2011. Burial was in the church cemetery and was followed by a gathering of family and friends in the church fellowship hall.
The family would like to express its deepest gratitude to Annette Hulse for her tireless love and care for Mary Frances.
Memorials can be sent to any children’s organization, but especially Samaritan’s Purse (P.O. Box 3000, Boone, N.C. 28807-3000) and St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital (501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, Tenn. 38105).
Those wishing to share their memories with the family online may do so at www.mcdowfuneralhomeinc.com