Muriel Starbecker Maginniss, Class of 1950

Muriel Starbecker Maginniss ’50 died on February 16, 2022. Muriel was born on January 15, 1929 in New York City, and she studied at city public schools and worked at Macy’s as a teenager. She began university studies at New York University and graduated from Otterbein College in 1950, where she earned her Bachelor’s of Science degree in Elementary Education. Upon graduation, she began her career with the Girl Scouts, traveling the country supporting national retail programs and promotions. In 1958 she joined the US Air Force as a member of the first class of women officers and was stationed in Colorado Springs, Paris and Washington DC. When Muriel returned from overseas, she settled in Northern Virginia and married Howard Maginniss in 1964.

Muriel was a devoted and loving wife and mother while also working for the Kuwait Embassy to the United States for the next 31 years until her retirement. She moved from Arlington to Leesburg in order to immerse herself in the day-to-day activities of her beloved daughter, son-in-law, and grandchildren over the final 27 years of her life. Her days filled with dance competitions, sporting activities, school events, family trips and milestones kept her smiling, sharp and full of joy. Muriel’s final few years were spent under the loving care of the Poet’s Walk team while enjoying daily visits with her family.

She is survived by her beloved daughter Vicki Maginniss Buttarazzi, her son Lee Maginniss, and her grandchildren.