From Rumsey B. Marston family photo, circa 1950. Contributed by Rebecca G. Marston Wilson, daughter, of Annapolis, MD. Michael and Ethel in front with her brother, Frank, in back.

ETHEL MARSTON DENISON

Ethel Marston Denison taught for many years in Shenandoah County, Va., schools.

The oldest child of William Frank and Mary Jane Clem Marston, Ethel was born November l0, l980. Infant mortality was so high in her era that birth certificates asked that the infant be recorded as born dead or alive. Ethel died January 9, l973, of injuries that occurred during a three-car crash. It had taken place a few days earlier on December 30 on Route ll in Woodstock, Va., where she resided. Her sister, Arlene Charles, died in the same accident.

Following her graduation from Woodstock High School, Ethel studied at Madison College in Harrisonburg, Va., and at the Temple Business School and Roberson University in Washington. Her first teaching appointment was at a one-room school at Fisher's Hill where she had 45 pupils, eleven of whom were older than she. Later she taught for several years in the Strasburg, Va., elementary school. Most of her teaching career, before her retirement in l960, was spent at the Woodstock elementary school located a short distance from her home on Summit Avenue.

On June 6,l946, she was married to Michael Denison, born the son of Mr. and Mrs. N.H. Denison of New York. A linguist fluent in several languages, he had studied at the Berlitz School of Languages. At the time of his marriage he had been engaged for several years in historic research in Washington. By a previous marriage--his previous spouse's name is unknown--he was the father of four sons.

The wedding took place at Ethel's home with members of the immediate family present. Afterwards, the Northern Virginia Daily reported, the couple left for a wedding trip to the West Indies "part of the trip to be made by plane." Following their return they resided at the Summit Avenue home.

Ethel and Michael, whose death preceded hers, are buried at Massanutten Cemetery in Woodstock.

Contributed by niece, Rebecca Marston Wilson of Annapolis, MD.

21 Jan 2013

21 Jan 2013