Dr. Margaret Comer Kupiec Dr. Margaret Virginia Comer Kupiec, 95, died Tuesday, September 29, 2015.

She was born on farm overlooking the Shenandoah River, in Ingham, Page County, Virginia on May 26, 1920. Her parents were Franklin Pierce Comer and Fannie Josephine Baugher Comer.

Margaret grew up in a large family with 12 siblings. Her memories of her upbringing in the Shenandoah Valley were proud and colorful, as she described it, “idyllic.” She recounted that her father’s funeral was the largest Shenandoah had ever seen with upwards of 2,200 people in attendance and a funeral procession with 350 cars, over two miles long. She was especially proud of her father’s character as he was known in the community as a good and kind man, always willing to help others. Enjoying school from a young age, Margaret knew that education was important to her and it is no surprise to those who know Margaret, that she was valedictorian of her high school class. She continued her education at James Madison University (JMU) receiving a degree along with seven of her sisters, which earned them the honor of being the largest immediate family to graduate from JMU. She began her teaching career in a one-room schoolhouse in Tanner’s Ridge in Stanley, Virginia.

Margaret met her future husband, Captain Leon Stanislaus Kupiec, when Leon was in the Civilian Conservation Corps at Big Meadows in the Shenandoah National Park. They were married in 1942. Following WWII, they moved to Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania where Margaret continued teaching and learning. She spent time at Harvard University on a Ford Foundation scholarship. Margaret went on to receive her Bachelor’s Degree, Master’s Degree in Education and Ph.D. in Philosophy from the University of Pittsburgh. Margaret retired in 1996 at age 76 having spent most of her 46-year career, teaching in Pittsburgh.

Margaret was involved in many organizations that brought her pleasure, including: MENSA, the American Association of University Women, Pi Lambda Theta and the Daughters of the American Revolution. She loved to travel the world and told many stories of those magical travels. Margaret had a great love of the opera and all things musical which she shared, especially, with her grandchildren. She enjoyed learning and even until the end, read voraciously, and kept up with current events. Spending time with her daughter and grandchildren gave her much happiness. Margaret’s spirit always filled the room, with her quick wit and intellect delighting all those with whom she interacted.

Margaret is survived by and will be profoundly missed by her daughter, Margaret Porto of Portland, Or., granddaughter, Jennifer Porto and grandson-in-law Dean Fasnacht of Seattle, Wa., grandson Michael Porto of Baltimore, Md., and sisters Brownie Cave of Stanley, Va. and Peggy Sepcic of Pittsburgh, Pa.

Those preceding her in death were her: husband Capt. Leon S. Kupiec, four brothers, Frank P. Comer, Jr., Claude W. Comer, John Edward Comer, Joseph Comer and six sisters, Beulah Huffman, Mary Kammel, Nellie Robinson, Grace Shackleford, Alma Shuler and Catherine Nichols.

Margaret grew up walking to St. Paul’s Church where her sister Nellie played the piano. This church held a special place in Margaret’s heart and it is only befitting that her funeral services will be conducted there. Her funeral service will be held at St. Paul’s Church on Comertown Road, Shenandoah at 11 a.m. Saturday, October 10, 2015. Margaret will be laid to rest at Coverstone Cemetery following the funeral service. Visitation will be held at the McMullen Funeral Home in Harrisonburg, Virginia from 7 until 8 p.m. on Friday, October 9, 2015